Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EXCEL4MED (Excellence hub in green technologies: Introducing innovation ecosystems in the Mediterranean food value chain)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-04-01 al 2025-06-30
The challenges faced by Mediterranean Agri-Food Supply Chains, particularly those involving small-scale farmers, are multifaceted, stemming from climate change, limited innovation, and inadequate linkages between science and business. These challenges manifest in various operational, logistical, financial, and socio-economic impacts, posing significant threats to enterprises and the overarching global food security paradigm. Notably, the vulnerability of agricultural activities to climatic shifts underscores the imperative of adopting flexible scheduling practices to effectively navigate disruptions. Even minor delays within the supply chain can precipitate cascading effects, resulting in substantial yield losses and diminished output.
To address these pressing challenges, our proposed Excellence Hub endeavors to erect a robust framework founded upon four pivotal pillars: Collaboration, Adaptation, Inclusiveness, and Circular Economy principles. By fostering robust collaboration across the entire supply chain and embracing adaptability to evolving environmental dynamics, we seek to bolster efficiency, enhance productivity, and fortify sustainability pillars while simultaneously safeguarding food variety and security. In tandem, our commitment to Circular Economy principles aims to curtail food wastage, optimize resource utilization, and engender comprehensive sustainability, thereby aligning with the overarching objectives delineated in the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal.
The overarching objective of the EXCEL4MED initiative lies in the establishment of an intricate and resilient Excellence Hub within Mediterranean fruit supply chains. This ambitious endeavor endeavors to fortify resilience across the value chain spectrum, encompassing producers, processors, consumers, and policymakers alike. By meticulously aligning strategic imperatives and harnessing agile management practices, our aim is to incubate, develop, and subsequently demonstrate innovative solutions geared towards waste valorization, value-added product creation, and the widespread adoption of green technologies. Of paramount importance is our commitment to democratizing access to these solutions, with a concerted focus on end-user dissemination and stakeholder capacity-building endeavors.
While the tangible impacts of EXCEL4MED are anticipated to materialize in the short term, the long-term ramifications are poised to reverberate across diverse domains encompassing science, environment, economy, and society at large. By nurturing a culture of innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the Mediterranean fruit supply chain, our initiative aspires to catalyze transformative shifts that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing meaningfully to the realization of a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.
To address these pressing challenges, our proposed Excellence Hub endeavors to erect a robust framework founded upon four pivotal pillars: Collaboration, Adaptation, Inclusiveness, and Circular Economy principles. By fostering robust collaboration across the entire supply chain and embracing adaptability to evolving environmental dynamics, we seek to bolster efficiency, enhance productivity, and fortify sustainability pillars while simultaneously safeguarding food variety and security. In tandem, our commitment to Circular Economy principles aims to curtail food wastage, optimize resource utilization, and engender comprehensive sustainability, thereby aligning with the overarching objectives delineated in the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal.
The overarching objective of the EXCEL4MED initiative lies in the establishment of an intricate and resilient Excellence Hub within Mediterranean fruit supply chains. This ambitious endeavor endeavors to fortify resilience across the value chain spectrum, encompassing producers, processors, consumers, and policymakers alike. By meticulously aligning strategic imperatives and harnessing agile management practices, our aim is to incubate, develop, and subsequently demonstrate innovative solutions geared towards waste valorization, value-added product creation, and the widespread adoption of green technologies. Of paramount importance is our commitment to democratizing access to these solutions, with a concerted focus on end-user dissemination and stakeholder capacity-building endeavors.
While the tangible impacts of EXCEL4MED are anticipated to materialize in the short term, the long-term ramifications are poised to reverberate across diverse domains encompassing science, environment, economy, and society at large. By nurturing a culture of innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the Mediterranean fruit supply chain, our initiative aspires to catalyze transformative shifts that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing meaningfully to the realization of a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.
During reporting period 2, EXCEL4MED advanced significantly across all technical work packages, achieving key milestones in developing sustainable green extraction technologies for Mediterranean fruit chains. Novel non-thermal methods—ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric fields, and high-pressure carbonation, were piloted on pomegranate and citrus side streams in Malta and Greece, optimizing parameters at lab and pilot scale (TRL 5-6). Results showed improved bioactive compound yield and quality with reduced environmental impact, aligned with ‘do-no-significant-harm’ principles.
The project also completed thorough physicochemical and nutritional analysis of extracts, confirming their potential for functional foods and valorising agro-industrial waste. Scientific output included peer-reviewed papers and standardized protocols ensuring reproducibility. Consumer and stakeholder research informed product development and communication strategies by capturing user perceptions and acceptance.
Finally, groundwork for business models and techno-economic assessments was laid, with LCA and LCC data collection underway to evaluate environmental and economic impacts.
The project also completed thorough physicochemical and nutritional analysis of extracts, confirming their potential for functional foods and valorising agro-industrial waste. Scientific output included peer-reviewed papers and standardized protocols ensuring reproducibility. Consumer and stakeholder research informed product development and communication strategies by capturing user perceptions and acceptance.
Finally, groundwork for business models and techno-economic assessments was laid, with LCA and LCC data collection underway to evaluate environmental and economic impacts.
The EXCEL4MED project has made solid progress in developing and validating sustainable food processing technologies (UAE, PEF, HPC) for valorising pomegranate and citrus by-products. These methods improve bioactive compound recovery efficiently and sustainably, supporting green food processing research. Scientific outputs include upcoming publications and open datasets, and early techno-economic studies show commercial potential for SMEs in functional foods.
Stakeholder involvement through Living Labs has ensured technologies meet user needs and market demands, supporting regional development and healthier food systems. To boost impact, further industrial-scale demonstrations, market access, financing, and commercialization strategies are needed. Protecting innovations via IPR and exploring internationalisation will aid adoption. Regulatory alignment and ongoing capacity building remain essential for uptake.
Overall, the project is on track scientifically and technically, with strong potential for economic and societal benefits, provided next steps focus on scaling, market engagement, and supportive frameworks.
Stakeholder involvement through Living Labs has ensured technologies meet user needs and market demands, supporting regional development and healthier food systems. To boost impact, further industrial-scale demonstrations, market access, financing, and commercialization strategies are needed. Protecting innovations via IPR and exploring internationalisation will aid adoption. Regulatory alignment and ongoing capacity building remain essential for uptake.
Overall, the project is on track scientifically and technically, with strong potential for economic and societal benefits, provided next steps focus on scaling, market engagement, and supportive frameworks.