On 4 July 2023, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) hosted the 1st EXCEL4MED Living Lab in Greece, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a more sustainable Mediterranean fruit processing industry.

The Living Lab session brought together a diverse group of 30 participants, including farmers, researchers, policymakers and representatives from the Mediterranean fruit processing industry, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration and innovation.

It provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage in discussions, share ideas and explore innovative processing methods aimed at promoting healthier, more environmentally-friendly products.

The focus was on identifying sustainable practices that could revolutionise the industry while supporting economic growth in the Mediterranean region.

Fostering collaboration for a greener future

The event was organised by EXCEL4MED’s Greek partners –the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Smart Agro Hub (SAH), ELGO-DIMITRA and SEVT – Federation of Hellenic Food Industries– in collaboration with CIHEAM-IAMM, bringing together experts from various sectors to foster meaningful dialogue.

The diversity of expertise represented, from farmers to consumers, enriched the discussions, offering multiple perspectives on how to enhance sustainability and innovation in the Mediterranean agri-food sector.

Additionally, the passion and enthusiasm displayed by all attendees underscored the commitment to transforming the Mediterranean fruit processing industry. The exchange of ideas sparked new thinking about how to integrate sustainable technologies, improve processing techniques, and ultimately create products that are both healthier for consumers and more eco-friendly.

This collaborative spirit sets the stage for lasting change within the industry!