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

Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO's Forever Flavors Project

In an exciting partnership, Lee Kum Kee Sauce, a global leader in sauces and condiments, has teamed up with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to kick off the Forever Flavors Project. This initiative was unveiled at a launch ceremony in Beijing and aims to create a global archive of flavor memories from various cultures. The project encourages individuals to share stories associated with food, not only as a way to preserve culinary heritage but also to foster intercultural dialogue through a shared love of flavors.

The Vision Behind the Project

The Forever Flavors Project encapsulates four key priorities: preserving culinary cultural heritage, nurturing young culinary talents, building platforms for intercultural dialogue, and encouraging community participation. The overarching goal is to protect collective food memories that transcend time and geography, offering a bridge between diverse cultures and fostering mutual understanding.

Starting January 20, the project began collecting flavor stories through various platforms, including Lee Kum Kee’s official Instagram, RedNote, and UNESCO's website. Participants are invited to submit their flavor stories, whether they are personal tales, family recipes, or community traditions. These stories must include hashtags like #ForeverFlavorsProject and can be shared in text, video, or photo formats. Selected entries will be showcased on official platforms, providing contributors with digital certificates and unique archival numbers, marking their contributions to this global initiative.

A Culinary Bridge for Cultural Exchange

At the launch ceremony, Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, highlighted the importance of culinary traditions as living heritage. He noted that the culinary arts carry memories, identities, and emotions and are crucial for passing cultural legacies across generations. According to Khan, this project illustrates how public-private partnerships—rooted in shared values and respect for cultural heritage—can significantly contribute to safeguarding culture.

Daniel Shih, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Lee Kum Kee, shared that the company has been at the heart of family kitchens since 1888, starting with a single spoon of oyster sauce. Shih emphasized that Lee Kum Kee is not just about flavor but also about the familiarity and comfort that food brings to our lives. The partnership with UNESCO aims to utilize taste as a common language that connects people across cultures, fostering dialogue and shared experiences.

Engaging Voices and Memories

The launch featured several guest speakers who shared their personal food memories, including Vicky Cheng, an executive chef and owner of WING, one of the world's top restaurants; culinary blogger Yang Guang; cultural writer Xiao Yang; and Sun Guoliang, custodian of Shaoxing culinary customs, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Their stories reflected family recipes handed down through generations, flavors that evoke nostalgia, and the role of food in upholding cultural identity and personal healing, reinforcing the project's theme of taste intertwined with emotions.

Long-Term Commitment to Heritage and Connection

Food serves as a lens through which individuals explore the world, acting as a powerful medium for forming friendships and deepening understanding. For over 138 years, Lee Kum Kee has been dedicated to the connection between flavor and human relationships, crafting exceptional Asian culinary experiences for a global audience. By collaborating with UNESCO, the company aims to leverage taste as a universal language to promote intercultural exchange seamlessly linked to daily life.

The Forever Flavors Project is officially underway, inviting individuals worldwide to share their unique stories and contribute to the creation of a rich archive of flavor memories. Through this initiative, Lee Kum Kee hopes to connect people, preserve culinary heritage, and celebrate the stories that make our dining experiences meaningful.

About Lee Kum Kee Group

Lee Kum Kee Group was established in 1888 by the Lee family and is now in its sixth generation. The company's vision is to be the most trusted enterprise that makes the world healthier and happier for the next 1000 years. Initially focused on producing sauces, the Group has since diversified its operations into traditional Chinese medicine, plantation management, and real estate investments, with a commitment to creating a better world. Currently, the Group employs over 9,000 people worldwide.

Learn more at www.leekumkeegroup.com.

About Lee Kum Kee Sauce

Lee Kum Kee Sauce serves as a gateway to Asian culinary culture, promoting Chinese cuisine globally. Since 1888, the company has connected people through joyful gatherings and shared traditions. With over 300 sauces and condiments, Lee Kum Kee inspires both professional and home cooks to experiment and create delicious meals, reflecting its rich heritage and commitment to quality and sustainability. More information can be found at www.LKK.com.

About UNESCO

UNESCO was established in 1945 with the mission to enhance universal human connections through education, science, culture, and communication. Collaborating with governments worldwide, UNESCO formulates international standards and legal tools to address global issues, ultimately striving for a fair and peaceful planet. Its work includes protecting biodiversity, enhancing artificial intelligence, improving educational quality, and safeguarding heritage. More details can be found at UNESCO website.