Forum discusses cuisine and sustainability

The International Cuisine & Sustainable Development Forum, discussing how cuisine, culture, technology and commerce can contribute to international exchange and sustainable lifestyle development, was held at the Sumac Restaurant in Beijing on Wednesday.

As a featured event of the 2026 "Taste of Chaoyang" International Gourmet Festival, it was jointly organized by the Chaoyang District Bureau of Commerce, Sumac Restaurant Group and Sony China Co Ltd. 

The forum brought together ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, representatives of cultural institutions, media and industry partners to exchange views on consumer trends, cultural experiences, technological innovation and international cooperation.

"Sumac has always been envisioned as more than a restaurant group, it's a platform that celebrates culture, hospitality and human connection," Rani Jarkas, chairman of Cedrus Group and an investor in Sumac Restaurant, said.

"We hope to continue strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and the rest of the world."

During the forum, Sumac Restaurant Group and Sony China launched a collaboration to introduce Sony's Synecoculture green tea products through Sumac's hospitality network. Sumac also announced a strategic partnership with Yintai Group covering retail cooperation and future business development.

At the event, Everlasting Unity, underglaze porcelain artworks inspired by the Lebanese cedar tree, were presented as a symbol of friendship and cultural dialogue between China and Lebanon. The artwork combines Chinese ceramic craftsmanship with Lebanese cultural symbolism.

Besides, the event also marked the debut of M-Pita, Sumac Restaurant Group's cultural intellectual property character and staged a musical performance.