“Can fruit seeds and peels have a second life?” This question guided the latest EXCEL4MED workshop, held on 29 June 2026 in Athens

The event, organised by our partners at EKPIZO, welcomed consumers to learn more about circular economy practices, and discover how research is transforming citrus and pomegranate by-products into innovative food products with added nutritional value.

The workshop opened with an interactive quiz designed to introduce participants to the environmental challenges linked to food waste and the principles of the circular economy.

Turning research into practical (and tasty) solutions

The scientific session featured presentations from our coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and our partner Dr. George Katsaros, from the Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products – ELGO-DIMITRA.

They explained how EXCEL4MED applies green technologies to give citrus and pomegranate by-products a new purpose. Instead of being discarded, these materials can be transformed into innovative food products with enhanced nutritional properties, contributing to a more circular and sustainable food system.

The presentations also sparked an open discussion with consumers, who had the opportunity to ask questions and better understand the project’s objectives, the technologies behind the research and the potential of food by-product valorisation.

The workshop concluded with a tasting session of antioxidant-enriched yogurts developed within EXCEL4MED. Participants had the opportunity to experience one of the project’s innovative food products first-hand, and the initial feedback was very positive.

The tasting demonstrated how EXCEL4MED research can generate practical solutions that benefit both consumers and the environment.