We are delighted to announce that Food Innovation Wales has become a Network Partner in the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative. Supported by Welsh Government funding, this will establish an EIT Food presence in Wales, linking the Welsh industry to a wider consortium of key industry players, start-ups, research centres and universities from across Europe.
EIT Food aims to collaborate closely with consumers to develop new knowledge and technology-based products and services, ultimately delivering a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for all European citizens. Being a member of EIT Food will enable Food Innovation Wales to be at the forefront of technology and research and build international partnerships to further bolster the Welsh food and drink industry and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the Welsh Government, Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said, “As we prepare for the challenges Brexit will bring, innovation is making the food and drink more resilient and plays a key role in our Welsh success story. I am therefore delighted that Food Innovation Wales has become a member of EIT Food.
To support this, Welsh Government funding support will create a new Welsh base to further strengthen vital European collaborative links through EIT Food. It will put us at the forefront of cutting edge research and crucially enable us to forge new partnerships especially during these challenging times. It is more important than ever that we strengthen our partnerships with nations and regions across Europe and next week’s Blas Cymru / Taste Wales provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our ambition to co-operate internationally is stronger than ever.
Andrew Carlin, Director of north-west Europe innovation hub for EIT Food said,
We are delighted to have Food Innovation Wales join the EIT Food community. They are an essential part of our commitment to food innovation in the region and across Europe and we look forward to working with them in their mission developing the future of the food sector in Wales.
On behalf of Food Innovation Wales, Professor David Lloyd said,
In recent years we have focussed heavily on providing technical and operational support to the food sector in Wales which has resulted in significant growth for companies. However, we have been increasingly developing links with other institutions and businesses across the globe and are therefore delighted to have become partners with EIT Food. This new partnership will further enable the Welsh food and drink ecosystem to engage across international borders and benefit from world class technical, scientific and operational expertise.