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EXCEL4MED

Funding Programme: Horizon Europe

Scope: The project’s overarching aim is to create an Excellence Hub in Mediterranean fruit supply chains. It is:

  • an initiative to strengthen Mediterranean innovation excellence in innovation ecosystems focusing on the production of nutritious food products and the valorization of food industrial side-streams.
  • a cross-border collaboration between Greece, Malta and France on a common strategy on strengthening the Mediterranean food added-value chains.

Objectives:

  • To develop excellent and sustainable place-based process innovation ecosystems in Malta and Greece that contribute to the production of added-value food products and reduce waste along the food chain.
  • To create joint R&I strategies in teaming and developing concrete action plans and common investment plans for R&I in the area of food processing.
  • To create R&I pilot projects demonstrating food processing and valorization activities that reach a TRL 7.
  • To create new business opportunities especially for SMEs in the area of waste processing, and the production of functional foods.
  • To achieve improved knowledge transfer and development of entrepreneurial skills while up-taking innovative green technologies in the area of food processing valorization.
  • To develop new competencies and skills for researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals in R&I domains of food science and creation of poles of attraction for talents in Greece and Malta.
  • To raise public and scientific awareness by providing effective dissemination and exploitation of project’s outcomes through scientific events open to all parties/stakeholders including industrial/commercial user groups.

Partners Involved:

  • ETHNIKO KAI KAPODISTRIAKO PANEPISTIMIO ATHINON Greece Coordinator
  • ELLINIKOS GEORGIKOS ORGANISMOS – DIMITRA Greece
  • ENOSI KATANALOTON POIOTITA TIS ZOIS Greece
  • SmartAgroHub S.A Greece
  • UNIVERSITA TA MALTA Malta
  • MGARR FARMING CO LTD Malta
  • Malta Food Agency Malta
  • SYNDESMOS ELLINIKON VIOMICHANION TROFIMON SOMATEIO Greece
  • PERIFEREIA ATTIKIS Greece
  • MALTA LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE LIMITED Malta
  • CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE HAUTES ETUDES AGRONOMIQUES MEDITERRANEENNES France
  • ELLINIKI VIOMICHANIA CHYMON KON. DEDES ASPIS ANONYMI ETAIREIA Greece
  • KOPERATTIVI MALTA Malta

The Malta Chamber Role: Partner

Value to Members: Providing industry with feedback from consumers on products developed from primary foods, and the sharing of best practices on sustainable practices and optimisation of the food value chain in production.

Pillar: Sustainability

Project Website: Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Timeline: Ongoing

TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES

21 January 2023 – Kickoff Meeting

The kickoff meeting provided the perfect opportunity to discuss the project’s objectives and scope while laying the groundwork for future events and deliverables.

04 May 2023 – Living Lab in Malta

Bringing together stakeholders of the EXCEL4MED EU Horizon Project, which seeks to strengthen the Mediterranean agrifood supply chain!

05 July 2023 – Greek Living Lab

This outstanding event brought together a diverse community, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from the Mediterranean fruits processing industry. Our participants had the opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and exchange groundbreaking ideas on sustainable processing methods for innovative and healthier products. It was truly inspiring to witness the collective dedication and enthusiasm towards creating a brighter and more sustainable future for Mediterranean fruits processing industry.

30 January 2024 – Co-creation Workshop

As part of the EXCEL4MED project, The Malta Chamber hosted and participated in a 2-day co-creation workshop aimed at mapping out the Business Model Canvas.

21 November 2024 – Second Living Lab in Malta

Stakeholders coming together to collaborate, innovate and create impactful solutions for a more sustainable future in the Mediterranean food systems.

25 February 2025 – Annual Meeting

The Malta Chamber participated in the EXCEL4MED Annual Meeting in Montpellier which brought together partners from Greece, Malta and France to review progress, exchange insights and strengthen collaboration for a more sustainable and innovative Mediterranean fruit supply chain. Hosted by CIHEAM IAMM, the discussions covered key milestones and future directions, with each Work Package leader presenting their contributions, including The Malta Chamber’s work as leader of WP2. The meeting also highlighted recent research findings, practical applications and opportunities for collaboration with other EU-wide projects.