The picturesque city of Pamplona played host to the anticipated 2023 General Assembly Meeting of CO-FRESH project members. Organized by the National Centre for Food Technology and Safety (CNTA), this two-day hybrid event brought together all the consortium partners across the agri-food sector. The meeting not only provided a platform for knowledge sharing but also featured insightful visits to CNTA’s facilities and the Florette facilities.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Inés Echeverría, the Project Coordinator from CNTA. Echeverría set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing the significance of maximizing the project’s impact on the industry. She presented detailed graphs illustrating the interrelation between the project’s work packages (WPs) and provided an update on the current project status.

Echeverría’s presentation also delved into key performance indicators (KPIs), deliverables, and milestones achieved during the second reporting period. The overall consensus was that the project had progressed remarkably well and was on track with its initial objectives. Most recommendations from the previous review had been effectively implemented, indicating the project’s commitment to continuous improvement.

A major focus of the assembly was the communication and dissemination of project knowledge and results. Echeverría emphasized that in the upcoming months, intensive efforts would be dedicated to achieving the sixth project objective, which involves sharing findings and insights with relevant stakeholders. Various avenues for dissemination were discussed, including scientific publications, practice abstracts, social media, national and international workshops, news articles, newsletters, and more. 

The second part of the meeting showcased the innovative pilot cases within the CO-FRESH project. These pilot cases presented their unique innovations, shedding light on the tangible outcomes of their efforts.

  • Exploitation of Results & Business Plans: Ensuring that the project’s findings are translated into practical applications and business plans.
  • National & International Workshops: Organizing workshops to engage with a broader audience and share project insights on a global scale.
  • Main Communication & Dissemination Commitments: Continuing the dedicated efforts to communicate and disseminate knowledge effectively.
  • Final Event in Brussels: Preparing for the culminating event in Brussels, where the project’s achievements and impact will be celebrated on an international stage.

The 2023 General Assembly Meeting of CO-FRESH members was a testament to the project’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector. With ongoing dedication, collaboration, and a clear roadmap for the future, CO-FRESH is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.