#China #Beijing #UNESCO #Lee Kum Kee #Forever Flavors

Lee Kum Kee Partners with UNESCO for Unique Flavors Initiative

Lee Kum Kee Sauce, renowned globally as a leader in sauces and condiments, has made headlines with its recent partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On January 21, 2026, the two organizations unveiled the "Forever Flavors Project" during a launch ceremony in Beijing. This ambitious initiative is designed to gather and create a global archive of flavor memories, emphasizing the crucial role food plays in cultural heritage.

Bridging Cultures Through Food

The primary focus of the Forever Flavors Project is to collect food-related stories from diverse communities worldwide. By doing so, the initiative aims to utilize flavor as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue and emotional connection. The project seeks to not only document unique culinary traditions but also to promote the sustainable preservation of these practices for future generations.

Events surrounding the launch included speeches from key figures involved in the project, such as Professor Shahbaz Khan, UNESCO’s Director and Representative for East Asia, and Daniel Shih, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the Lee Kum Kee Group. Both highlighted the significance of food as a living heritage that fosters identity and connection across generations. As Professor Khan stated, "Food is a living heritage that carries memory, identity, and emotion. It serves as a key link between generations and is crucial for promoting cultural identity and sustainable development."

A Call for Contributions

The Forever Flavors Project is inviting submissions starting from January 20, through various platforms including Lee Kum Kee's official social media accounts and a dedicated website. Participants can share their personal flavor stories through text, video, and photographs. By using hashtags like #ForeverFlavors and #忘不了的味道, contributors will be able to join the conversation around culinary memories and will have the chance to receive a digital certificate representing their contribution.

This open call for stories aims to engage not just professional chefs but also home cooking enthusiasts, thereby maintaining the cherished flavors of diverse culinary traditions.

Significance of the Project

The partnership between Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO is not merely about food; it represents a commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage. The collaboration focuses on four main priorities: protecting culinary cultural heritage, nurturing young culinary talent, fostering public participation, and building platforms for cross-cultural exchange.

Daniel Shih remarked on the long-standing history of Lee Kum Kee, emphasizing that since 1888, the brand has been intertwined with family kitchens and dining experiences around the world. He noted, "From a single spoon of oyster sauce to a beloved household name, we aim to preserve a 'memory of flavor' that resonates with people globally."

The launch ceremony featured guest speakers sharing their own flavor stories, illustrating the deep emotional connections tied to culinary experiences. Each narrative underscored the project’s core idea: that flavors anchor emotions and memories, providing a sense of identity and belonging.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the Forever Flavors Project is set to become a vital platform for sharing culinary memories and fostering dialogue around food's role in life. Lee Kum Kee's dedication to culinary excellence and cultural heritage is poised to enhance the understanding of food as a bridge between people.

With a commitment to continue this journey for generations, Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO invite everyone to contribute their flavor memories and help build this global archive. The consumption of food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s also about connection, culture, and the joy of shared experiences.

In conclusion, as the Forever Flavors Project unfolds, it stands as a testament to the belief that flavors are not just tastes but a tapestry woven with stories, identities, and the essence of humanity.