SMART FOOD FACTORY: Enhancing digital and green growth in food industry - Collaborating for a sustainable food system
Join us on 1st of October in Brussels to connect, collaborate and shape the future of a digital and green food industry. Gain valuable insights from technology providers, food industry, clusters and policymakers.
For the past three years, the SME and cluster partners of the European HIGHFIVE project have worked together with a unified vision to drive the twin transition—digital and green—and shape the future of the food industry. With support from HIGHFIVE, they’ve embarked on a transformative journey, achieving real-world impact.
During this day, we will offer a platform for dialogue between industry, clusters and policymakers for Collaborating for a sustainable food system.
What to expect?
- Inspiring Keynote Speech
- Industry and cluster testimonials
- Workshops to bring policy guidelines into practice
- Networking and Matchmaking Opportunities: Connect with industry experts, sector organisations, clusters and policymakers
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of the food industry.
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Interested to learn more about how SME’s have implemented digitals solutions for a greener food industry? Join us on 30th of September 2025 for part 1, “From Vision to Impact”. This day will showcase several success stories and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
Program
09:00
Welcome coffee
10:00
Introduction, setting the scene
09:30
Morning coffee break
09:45
Industry and company Testimonials
10:15
Lunch break
10:25
Policy recommendations and workshops
10:35
Afternoon coffee break
10:50
What’s next
11:10
Reception
11:40
Panel discussion
Panelists: Kristina Šermukšnytė-Alešiūnienė (CEO, AgriFood Lithuania DIH; Vice-President, European Clusters Alliance; Lithuanian Cluster Network), Inge Arents (Managing Director, Flanders’ FOOD), Tim Van Meer (Technical Director, Pomuni), Aistė Miliūtė (CEO , Birstono Mineral Waters)
Join leading experts from across Europe as they discuss how collaborative projects and regional clusters are powering the digital and green transition in the food sector. Hear practical insights and inspiring examples from innovation leaders committed to building more resilient and sustainable food systems.
12:20
Lunch and networking
13:50
Transforming Food Processing: Advancing Digital Technology Uptake and Implementation (2)
More on impact on regional and company level!
Mark Versteyhe, Senior Engineer, Orise ( formerly Yazzoom) - Next level process and quality control: state-of-the art digital technologies in 2 different food processing cases
Norbert Reichl, General Manager, Food-Processing Initiative e. V. - Supporting Regional Innovation: Lessons from the HighFive Frontline
14:20
Shaping the future of twin transition support: Interactive workshops
Ana Felgueiras, Clusaga
Norbert Reichl, FPI
Our interactive workshops will dive into four key areas shaping the twin transition:
1. Digitalisation & Technology
2. Funding & Scaling
3. Intersectoral Collaboration
4. Ecosystem Strengthening & Clusters
Together, we will validate, challenge, and prioritise recommendations to ensure they are relevant, actionable, and complete. Through guided discussion, participants will identify the most important priorities and conclude with three key messages to be shared in plenary.
15:45
Afternoon coffee break
16:10
Workshop conclusions and discussion
16:40
What's next
How do we continue our ambition?
Simon Maas, Program Manager Industry and (Inter)national Collaborations, AgriFood Capital
New collaborations, projects, and lasting impact for the food sector.
16:50
Reflection of day 1 and 2 and closing
Stepanka Gallatova; FAO and Veerle De Graef, FF
17:00
Closing reception