#China #Beijing #UNESCO #Lee Kum Kee #culinary heritage

Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO Join Forces for the 'Forever Flavors Project'

In a groundbreaking initiative, Lee Kum Kee Sauce has announced its collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch the 'Forever Flavors Project.' This project aims to construct a comprehensive archive of culinary memories from around the world, celebrating cultural heritage and fostering social interaction through food.

The launch ceremony took place in Beijing, attended by significant figures from both organizations, including Simon Cao, Vice President of Global Brand Development at Lee Kum Kee, and Professor Shahbaz Khan, UNESCO's Director for East Asia. This event marks the beginning of a unique partnership focused on preserving food-related stories that connect people across different cultures.

Preserving Culinary Heritage

The 'Forever Flavors Project' emphasizes four key areas: safeguarding culinary heritage, nurturing young culinary talents, creating platforms for intercultural dialogue, and enhancing public engagement. The overarching goal of this initiative is to ensure that culinary memories—stories tied to food—are protected and shared across time and geographical boundaries.

Since its announcement on January 20, 2026, the project has been inviting proposals worldwide, encouraging participants to share their food memories through various forms—text, video, and images. Submissions can be made on Lee Kum Kee's official channels, including Instagram and their dedicated project website, using the hashtags #ForeverFlavorsProject and #忘不了的味道. Selected stories will have the opportunity to be featured on official UNESCO and Lee Kum Kee platforms, and contributors will receive a digital certificate with a unique archival number.

The Role of Food in Cultural Connection

During the launch, Professor Shahbaz Khan highlighted the importance of food as a living cultural heritage that embodies memories, identity, and emotions. He stated, “Food serves as a vital link between generations and is crucial for promoting cultural identity and sustainable development.” His remarks emphasize how collaborations, like that of Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO, can significantly contribute to cultural preservation when firmly rooted in shared values and commitments.

Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Shih from Lee Kum Kee noted the company's long history of being a staple in families' lives worldwide. Since its establishment in 1888, Lee Kum Kee has been dedicated to preserving flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, reinforcing the connection between food and personal memories. This collaboration with UNESCO represents a commitment to cultural values and heritage.

Engaging Culinary Stories from Around the World

The launch ceremony featured several guest speakers who shared their personal culinary stories, emphasizing how food influences memory and identity. Notable speakers included renowned chef Vicky Cheng of WING, a prominent restaurant recognized among the World’s 50 Best, and food blogger Yang Guang. Their anecdotes illustrated how culinary experiences shape identities and foster emotional bonds, aligning with the project's core mission of using flavor to anchor human experience.

A Long-term Vision for Culinary Archive

Lee Kum Kee’s desire to use food as a bridge for intercultural understanding reflects its 138-year heritage dedicated to enhancing culinary experiences worldwide. The 'Forever Flavors Project' signifies a new chapter in this mission, providing an avenue for people to share their unique food stories and contribute to a growing archive of culinary memories.

The project is now officially underway, and Lee Kum Kee invites everyone to share their culinary narratives to participate in this global initiative.

About Lee Kum Kee

Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee has evolved over generations to become a leader in sauces and condiments. The company's vision extends beyond culinary products to encompass a commitment to cultural heritage and sustainable practices, employing over 9,000 people worldwide. For further information, visit www.leekumkeegroup.com.

About UNESCO

Established in 1945, UNESCO plays a vital role in fostering education, science, culture, and communication to strengthen global ties. Through its initiatives, UNESCO addresses critical contemporary challenges, including cultural heritage preservation and promoting access to reliable information. More information is available at www.unesco.org.