In a country at war, or caught in a cycle of chronic crises, resilience becomes a necessity, allowing the population to overcome the hardships of the moment. This resilience can manifest on a military and security level, but it can also — and perhaps more importantly — take the form of cultural, social, and above all, economic resistance. With the aim of making a modest contribution to this kind of "economic resistance," Levant Time is launching a new section called "Business Life." Our goal is to provide media visibility to companies that are growing or launching new projects despite the ongoing war and simmering crisis. Where growth isn't possible, we also aim to show the public what measures companies are taking to cope with the many challenges they face, as they work to weather the economic stagnation gripping the country. Brewing a premium craft beer in a country that has endured two wars in three years and one of the worst economic crises in its history — that is the bet placed by the Elmir brewery. A bet that, at first glance, seems to swim against the current of an economy bled dry, yet one that speaks to a side of Lebanese entrepreneurial resilience. A fragile economy, but one that is stabilizing Since 2019, Lebanon's GDP has lost nearly 40% of its value, and the pound more than 98%. After a contraction of 7.1% in 2024, real GDP is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025 and then 4.0% in 2026, supported by the stabilization of the exchange rate since August 2023 and a slowdown in inflation. The pound has settled on the parallel market at around 89,500–90,000 LBP to the dollar, while the banking sector remains paralyzed and the economy continues to rely heavily on diaspora remittances, which account for approximately 16% of GDP. It is in this context that companies like Elmir choose not to scale back, but instead to bet on quality and the premium segment — a wager on consumer confidence and medium-term export potential. A beer crafted for the exceptional Founded in 2018, Elmir is part of a wave of microbreweries that have emerged in Lebanon in recent years — a young and dynamic sector driven by consumers seeking something new after decades of near-total domination by industrial lager. For CEO Noel Abi Nader, what sets Elmir apart starts with the sourcing of its ingredients: "Elmir is a craft beer made with the finest products we can find," he explains. The malt comes from the German malthouse Weyermann — one of the best, if not the best, malthouses in the world — while the hops are imported "refrigerated by air from the four corners of the globe." Even the bottle follows this preservation-first philosophy: dark glass made in Germany, designed to block out light, "the enemy of beer." But while the ingredients are sourced from the world's finest suppliers, the soul of these beers is unmistakably Lebanese. Beyond the quality of the raw materials, it is the creativity behind the brewing that truly sets Elmir apart: original recipes conceived and developed in Lebanon, drawing inspiration from the country's terroir and flavors. This local expertise transforms exceptional ingredients into beers with a singular character — impossible to confuse with the standardized products flooding the market. Another defining trait of the brand is its commitment to naturalness. Elmir is among the very few breweries to produce a 100% natural beer, with no preservatives or additives whatsoever. It is a demanding choice that requires total control over the production and preservation chain — and it helps explain the meticulous attention to every detail, right down to the dark glass bottles. Behind the production, the team takes pride in a scientific approach: a PhD in microbiology, a chemistry doctoral candidate specializing in brewing and distillation, and two agronomical engineers holding master's degrees in food technology oversee every step of the process. "It's the quality of the ingredients and the quality of the team that makes the beer," sums up Noel Abi Nader. Choosing the premium segment If Elmir is not yet available at every retail outlet in the country, that's no coincidence. "We're positioned in the premium segment," the CEO explains. "We won't be everywhere — just in premium networks, whether that's retail or F&B." A deliberate positioning for a brand that already claims the title of market leader in craft beer in Lebanon. But turning that leadership into profitability remains a significant challenge. "We've had two wars in less than three years, with a shrinking economy and a middle class that continues to shrink," acknowledges Noel Abi Nader — a candid assessment that echoes the country's broader macroeconomic indicators. Unwavering international recognition It is perhaps on the international stage that Elmir 's ambitions find their most resounding validation. In just a few years, the brewery has amassed no fewer than 18 international awards, earned at some of the industry's most prestigious competitions — primarily the World Beer Awards and the Brussels Beer Challenge — where its beers were judged blind against the world's finest. The crowning achievement: a Best Beer in the World title in the Sour Salty Beer category, won in 2024. A rare honor for a Lebanese brewery, putting the country's craft expertise firmly on the global beer map. These accolades are more than just trophies — they form one of the cornerstones of the brand's identity and a powerful argument for its export ambitions. With this track record, Elmir can now claim a title few can dispute: Lebanon's most award-winning beer. Local market first, exports next For now, exporting is not the stated priority. "We're focused on rolling out across Lebanon at the moment," says the CEO, while acknowledging that Gulf countries are among the next targets. Elmir is already present in Tokyo and the Maldives — demanding markets where its international accolades serve as a valuable calling card. A cultural living space Another distinctive feature of the site: a piano stands on the ground floor, right among the brewing tanks. "It softens the cold, industrial feel of the factory," explains Noel Abi Nader, who plans to host intimate classical, blues, and rock concerts there, for audiences of no more than a hundred. These events were originally planned for March 2026 but have been pushed back to October due to the security situation. "It's part of Elmir 's contribution to the local cultural scene," he notes. A symbol of resilience Through Elmir , an entire generation of Lebanese businesses continues to invest and set its sights on international markets despite an uncertain environment. As the country faces post-conflict reconstruction needs exceeding $11 billion for 2025–2026, initiatives like this serve as a reminder that Lebanon's economic revival will also depend on its entrepreneurs' ability to turn constraints into standards and crises into opportunities. (Article written as part of the series "La Vie des Entreprises," episode dedicated to the Elmir brewery.)