Founded in 2004 by Kamal Mouzawak, Souk el Tayeb expanded over the years through many for-profit extensions. While doing this, the market kept its core objective: providing fair market opportunities for small-scale traditional and organic products. Profits from the commercial extensions fund Souk el Tayeb’s operational expenses and activities. The market employs 11 full-time staff members, and has a clientele that is mindful of their place in protecting the environment.

Souk el Tayeb’s weekly market and its restaurants provide access to organically farmed products. Farmers who want to display their products at the market must comply with strict rules and regulations that are defined by the organizers. The producers do not need to achieve these standards alone — the employees of the souk offer capacity building and consultancy services to farmers related to green and organic practices.

Another objective of Souk el Tayeb is to promote traditional and locally farmed products, helping the conservation of local biodiversity. The promotion of local products also helps fight climate change by reducing CO2 emissions.

Website: www.soukeltayeb.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Soukeltayeb

Photos: Courtesy of Jean Marc Joseph and Souk el Tayeb