On March 20th 2023, Dr. Natassa Kapetanakou from SEVT, presented EQVEGAN during a workshop entitled “The Draft Regulation on packaging and packaging waste & the challenges for the Food & Drink Industry” within the context of FOOD EXPO 2023 taking place 18−20/03/2023 at the Metropolitan Expo exhibition center in Athens, Greece.
The project was disseminated during one of the most acknowledged food & drink forums of our region, with the presence of diverse stakeholders (e.g., representatives from EU and country governmental agencies, Academia, and Industry). FOOD EXPO is the top Food & Beverage exhibition in Greece, as it has become one of the most important and influential in the wider region of Southeast Europe. Every year roughly 1020 Greek and more than 280 international exhibitors from 30 countries participate, while approx. 32000 visitors and approx. 3400 international buyers, from specific target markets, attend.
After the workshop, participants had the opportunity to network, discuss and exchange opinions. Participants from the plant-based food industry especially showed great interest for the EQVEGAN certification scheme for trainings, while representatives from academia asked for more information about the Food Skills work-based learning. Overall, initiatives such as EQVEGAN are needed to upscale staff competences in the emerging market of plant-based products.