GLOBAL FOODTURE

Why this project? 

Making our global food systems more sustainable for a growing world population is a challenge that requires a global approach, where exchange between organisations and stakeholders is essential. This challenge can also be seized as an opportunity by European food companies, which often take the lead in developing (technological) production processes, services and products with a positive impact on the environment and climate. 

However, it is not always easy for such innovations to penetrate new markets outside Europe, such as Asia. Asia represents a significant proportion of the world's population, with a potentially high negative environmental and climate impact, and with a rapidly growing middle class with considerable purchasing power and sustainability awareness. With the right cooperation, this potential for growth and innovation can also benefit the competitiveness of European SMEs. 

Project approach and expected results

GLOBAL FOODTURE is a European Horizon 2020 project supported within the COSME programme (EU Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; SMEs). The main objective of the project is to focus on the global transition to a more sustainable food system through cooperation and innovation. In particular, GLOBAL FOODTURE will set up an internationalisation strategy for European SMEs that facilitates access to new growth markets precisely by focusing on this theme. 

The GLOBAL FOODTURE project will develop and implement a methodology for opening Asian markets to European SMEs with climate mitigation innovations, especially the national markets of Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. 

To this end, the project will first conduct field research in order to identify the needs for climate mitigation innovations within the target markets. 

Subsequently, relevant European technologies and cases will be sourced within the European cluster networks, which will initially be brought to companies in a series of 24 digital master classes. These master classes will 'showcase' relevant European innovations and initiate preliminary dialogue on effective opportunities between clusters, companies, research institutions and public administrations. 

Four matchmaking events jointly organised by European and Asian clusters will also be held, allowing relevant SMEs - initially cluster members - to explore and establish initial business connections. 

Finally, two missions to the Asian target markets will be set up to develop further partnerships. A support package will be provided to the SMEs involved so that they can maximise cooperation opportunities - the project will also involve relevant networks such as Enterprise Europe Network. 

The GLOBAL FOODTURE project brings together a number of strong clusters within the European agrifood system: besides Flanders' FOOD, also Food & Bio Cluster Denmark, FOOD+i, VITAGORA and Foodvalley NL. The consortium will also be strengthened by two transversal clusters, Packaging Cluster and DIH Agrifood, which will help steer cross-sector collaborations. 

The long-term goal of GLOBAL FOODTURE is to create a global network of clusters in the agri-food system committed to climate change mitigation within a Global Climate Alliance for Food. 

Target group 

The project targets European SMEs with innovations (technologies, processes, products, services) with a climate mitigating impact along the entire agri-food chain. 

The GLOBAL FOODTURE project aims to conclude at least 15 cooperation agreements with Asian clusters and at least 40 effective business agreements for SMEs in the target markets. 

Project partners 

GLOBAL FOODTURE is executed by a European consortium consisting of Flanders' FOOD, along with Food & Bio Cluster Denmark (project coordinator), FOOD+i, VITAGORA and Foodvalley NL. The consortium is also strengthened by two transversal clusters, Packaging Cluster and DIH Agrifood.