The Food4Health Innovation Hub served as a collaborative space for diverse stakeholders, including food producers, logistics operators, research institutes, public authorities, and professional associations. It promoted short supply chains, encourages digitalisation, and facilitates knowledge sharing to address the challenges of sustainable food production and distribution.
Driving sustainability in food systems
AFNs (Alternative Food Networks) are gaining momentum as important models for linking local producers and consumers, bypassing traditional retail chains to reduce environmental impact and enhance community engagement. The Food4Health Innovation Hub was established to support these efforts by developing innovative tools and solutions for AFNs. It also contributes to addressing issues such as supply chain efficiency, product development, and market competitiveness.
Launch event
The Food Industry Professional Days conference brought together international experts to discuss the future of food and health sciences. Organised by the MATE Institute of Food Science and Technology in collaboration with the Pálinka National Council, the two-day conference featured presentations from Food4CE project partners, including:
- Introduction of the Food4Health Innovation Hub by Dr. Géza Hitka, Head of the MATE Institute of Food Science and Technology.
- The Role of AFNs and the Support of Food4CE, presented by Metka Dernovšek, University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering and Architecture.
During the event, the inaugural meeting of the Food4Health Advisory Board was held to oversee the hub’s activities. Discussions focused on the hub’s services and knowledge-sharing platforms, the introduction of an automated self-service food warehouse, and networking and collaboration opportunities to support AFN innovation.
Supporting Central European Alternative Food Networks
Food4Health became part of the broader Food4CE initiative, which spans several Central European countries. The project established five regional Innovation Hubs in Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland, promoting the exchange of best practices in digitalisation and logistics for local food networks across the region.