Posté le 25 octobre 2024

On 27 September 2024, the 2^nd EXCEL4MED Living Lab was held at the Agricultural University of Athens, bringing together key stakeholders from the Greek food and beverage sector to foster collaboration and innovation. 

This event was organised by our Greek partners SEVT – Federation of Hellenic Food Industries, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, ELGO-DIMITRA, Smart Agro Hub and the Region of Attica. 

Living Labs are a hallmark of the EXCEL4MED project, designed to bring together industry experts, researchers, businesses and policymakers to co-create solutions for pressing challenges in Mediterranean fruit supply chains. 

With a focus on pomegranate and citrus fruits, these labs serve as a dynamic platform for testing and refining innovative solutions in real-world settings, ensuring they address both immediate and long-term needs. 

Key discussions at the 2^nd Living Lab in Greece 

Participants delved into a range of topics essential for the advancement of the Mediterranean agri-food sector: 

• Innovative business models: strategies to strengthen food supply chains while reducing waste were explored, with an emphasis on sustainability and adaptability. 
• Green technologies: experts presented advanced technologies aimed at minimising the environmental impact of the food industry, particularly in the processing and manufacturing stages. 
• Product development: the creation of value-added food products was a focal point, with discussions centred on practical approaches to ensure these products are both sustainable and resilient. 
• Value chain efficiency: the event emphasised the importance of understanding the food value chain, identifying areas for improvement and increasing transparency to streamline operations. 

Speakers driving the conversation

The event featured insightful presentations from our partners: 

• Alkmini Gavriil (SEVT), who welcomed participants and set the tone for the day. 
• Professor Vasilis Valdramidis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), who provided an overview of the EXCEL4MED project, outlining its core objectives and future aspirations. 
• Dr. George Katsaros (ELGO-DIMITRA), who introduced new green technologies designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability in food supply chains. 
• Professor George Kleftodimos (CIHEAM-IAMM), who led an engaging session on business models in the agri-food sector, focusing on the methodology behind the Business Model Canvas and guiding participants through the creation of new business plans. 

We had the pleasure of having Artemi Chatzigeorgiou, R&D Director of DELTA FOODS SA, who shared practical strategies and best practices for developing new and innovative products that meet both consumer needs and environmental standards.

A collaborative approach to innovation

In the second half of the event, participants broke into smaller groups to collaborate in a practical way.  

Using the Business Model Canvas and with the help of facilitators, participants co-designed potential business models adapted to the needs of Mediterranean food systems. 

These collaborative sessions provided a platform for diverse stakeholders—from businesses to researchers—to share ideas and innovate together. 

Building on the success of the 1^st Living Lab in Greece, this 2^nd Living Lab reinforced EXCEL4MED’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, resilient and innovative Mediterranean food supply chain. 

With fruitful discussions and the exchange of pioneering ideas, the Living Labs continue to be instrumental in achieving the project’s goals of reducing food waste, fostering collaboration and promoting green technologies in the agri-food sector.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Living Lab in Malta and other key activities in the framework of the EXCEL4MED project, as we strive to reshape Mediterranean food systems!