🍊 From Waste to Innovation

 

Did you know that millions of tonnes of food are wasted every year? In the EU alone, an estimated 58 million tonnes of food go to waste annually. But what if we could turn this waste into healthy, sustainable food products?

 

That’s exactly what the EXCEL4MED project is doing! By using green technologies, EXCEL4MED is transforming food industry leftovers—like citrus fruit peels and pomegranate seeds—into nutritious food products such as:

âś… Juices with reduced sugar
âś… Smoothies enriched with antioxidants
âś… Cheese in brine with added nutritional benefits

 

These innovative products help reduce food waste, support local farmers, and offer healthier options for consumers.

 

🏡 What Do Consumers Think?

 

A consumer survey conducted in Malta, Greece, and France revealed some interesting findings:

  1. People value natural, local, and traditional foods over processed ones.
  2. Consumers are open to trying new food innovations but are reluctant to pay extra for them.
  3. The French are more open to new food products than the Maltese and Greeks.
  4. Younger consumers are more willing to try sustainable food options than older generations.

 

đź’° Will People Pay More for Sustainability?

 

The research found that most consumers are only willing to pay 5-7% extra for sustainable, healthier food. This highlights the need for affordable innovation that benefits both the environment and people’s wallets.

 

🌱 Why Does This Matter?

 

EXCEL4MED is not just about new food products—it’s about building a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain in the Mediterranean. By reducing waste, supporting small-scale producers, and improving food nutrition, we are taking steps toward a greener future.

 

đź”— Learn More

 

Want to know more about how food innovation can help our environment and economy? Read the full report here: đź“„ EXCEL4MED Consumer Survey Report

 

📢 Koperattivi Malta is proud to support this initiative in collaboration with:

EXCEL4MED, Malta Food Agency, Malta Enterprise, The Malta Chamber, University of Malta, and Smart Agro Hub