The 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, on the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Elimination of Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” was successfully held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Agro Expo, Ierapetra.
TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering project investing in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups active in agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics, with products and services using innovative technologies, even at early development stages (preseed).
The Meet-Up began with an introduction to the role of TrophyΤροφή 2025 in the agri-food innovation ecosystem. This was followed by a presentation titled “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas.
The first discussion panel followed on the topic “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship,” featuring Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas, Mr. Konstantinos Vassakis, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Science and Technology, Hellenic Mediterranean University, and Ms. Marina Pitropaki, Producer. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.
The second discussion panel focused on “Sustainability in Agricultural Production and Optimal Resource Management: From Research to Application.” Participants included Mr. Giorgos Kladakis, President of the Agricultural Cooperative of Vegetable Producers of Arvi, Mr. Georgios Koumbouris, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in olive cultivation, and Mr. Nektarios Kourgialas, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in irrigation and water resource management. The moderator was again Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.
In the final part of the program, Meet-Up participants took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present innovative proposals, with the best idea being awarded after a vote.
The sponsor of the 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS SMITH. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Crete and the Department of Management Science & Technology of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.
TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique experience of knowledge exchange, networking, and promotion of innovative ideas.
