Alternative Food Networks, as an alternative to large-scale organised distribution (GDO), help connect local producers with consumers by providing direct and more sustainable access to fresh food and products, bypassing traditional retail chains and reducing intermediaries. This promotes stronger and more sustainable relationships between local producers and consumers.
Localog was established to support Alternative Food Networks and short supply chains in enhancing their logistical and digital capacities. The platform serves as an innovative tool to assist small producers and local distributors, facilitating connections between the research community, local and regional policymakers, the logistics sector, and Alternative Food Networks.
The activities of the Localog Innovation Hub are divided into three main phases:
- Needs analysis of Alternative Food Networks, to understand the logistical and digital challenges they face.
- Workshops on solutions and technological innovations, aimed at exploring new opportunities to make short supply chains more efficient and sustainable.
- Development of regional, national, and European policy recommendations to improve the regulatory and strategic framework supporting short supply chains.
Localog is part of the European project Food4CE, coordinated by the University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Architecture. The project established five regional Innovation Hubs in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland to share best practices in digitalisation and logistics for local food networks.
ITL, which manages the platform, has long been active in applied research and consultancy, promoting innovation and sustainable development in the logistics and transport sectors. Through national and international projects, ITL strengthens the logistical, economic, and environmental capacities of organisations operating in these sectors.
On the occasion of the Innovation Hub’s launch, two key tools developed within the Food4CE project were also presented for the first time: the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP) and the Matchmaking Platform (MP). These platforms support knowledge sharing, improve logistics, and strengthen connections within Alternative Food Networks, contributing to more efficient short supply chains and greater environmental sustainability.