Between 25-30 March 2026, the SuperFoods Festival 2026 in Athens drew thousands of visitors eager to explore new trends in healthy eating, functional foods and innovative food products.
Among the exhibitors, our partner EKPIZO showcased EXCEL4MED in a creative and highly interactive way, turning scientific innovation into an engaging visitor experience.
EXCEL4MED partners bring research to life through playful design
At the heart of the EXCEL4MED booth, visitors discovered our project through heart-shaped 3D-printed decorations inspired by our novel jellies, developed with the contribution of our partner Georgios Psakis (University of Malta).
These creative elements helped translate research and product development into something tangible, sparking curiosity and encouraging conversations about innovation in the Mediterranean fruit sector.
The visual and interactive setup proved to be an effective way to introduce complex ideas in an accessible format, attracting attention from visitors of all ages.
When aroma becomes engagement
Although our smoothies, prepared by our coordinator Assoc. Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis and Grigorios Chalmoukos (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), were not available for tasting, their natural aroma became a surprising highlight of the booth.
The scent alone was enough to draw visitors in, triggering interest and prompting many to learn more about EXCEL4MED’s novel products and their potential applications.
This curiosity translated into meaningful engagement, with several visitors signing up for EKPIZO’s upcoming project workshop in June, where they will have the opportunity to experience the EXCEL4MED products firsthand.
The EXCEL4MED booth also welcomed our partner Styliani Roufou (Region of Attica), who joined EKPIZO’s team and contributed to discussions with visitors.
Her presence further enriched the exchange between stakeholders, highlighting the importance of regional involvement in food innovation initiatives.
With more than 1,000 visitors passing through, the festival offered a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about EXCEL4MED, share ongoing work, and engage directly with consumers and stakeholders.
The combination of creativity, sensory experience and dialogue helped bring the project closer to the public and showcased the potential of novel Mediterranean fruit products in a dynamic and memorable way.
