The 4th training session of the Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program was successfully completed in Thessaloniki from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15, 2026. The session focused on the theme “Building and Working with the Team” and was led by Anastasia Sarchosoglou, Agronomist – Food Scientist, MSc-Med, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Consultant in the Agrifood Sector.
The Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Rutgers University (USA) serves as the program’s Technical and Strategic Advisor. The training session was sponsored by LIDL HELLAS.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
Focus on Effective Team Collaboration
During the training session, participants focused on the importance of effective teamwork as a key factor for success and sustainable development in the agrifood sector. The objective was to understand the stages of team development and the factors that strengthen cohesion, trust, and productivity.
Through experiential exercises, collaborative scenario simulations, and group problem-solving activities, participants developed skills in effective communication, clear role allocation, conflict management, and collective decision-making.
The training experience highlighted that a successful team is not merely the sum of its members, but a dynamic system of collaboration built on trust, transparency, and commitment. In this way, participants strengthened their role as active and effective team members contributing meaningfully to innovation and collective progress within the agrifood ecosystem.
The opening remarks of the training session were delivered by Nikos Lysigakis, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager at LIDL HELLAS, who emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and the new generation of professionals in the sector.
Inspiration from Corporate Philosophy
A standout moment of the program was the presentation by Dimitris Koulaxidis, Senior Purchasing Manager at Lidl Hellas, who shared insights from contemporary business practices within the Purchasing sector.
He highlighted the strategic role of procurement in the company’s growth and competitiveness, the importance of collaboration with reliable suppliers, the selection of high-quality products, and the integration of sustainable practices. He also presented how data analysis and responsiveness to market trends support decision-making and the effective operation of the supply chain.
Educational Visit to LIDL HELLAS Central Logistics in Sindos
On the same day, participants visited the Central Logistics Distribution Center of Lidl Hellas in the Industrial Area of Sindos, where they had the opportunity to experience firsthand the operation of a modern and fully organized supply chain system.
The warehouse tour was conducted by Damianos Getsios, Head of Warehouse at Lidl Hellas, who provided a detailed presentation of the warehouse organization and management model, the processes of receiving, storage, and distribution of products, as well as the quality and safety standards applied.
New Agriculture New Generation warmly thanks LIDL HELLAS for its valuable support and hospitality in Thessaloniki and at its central facilities.
Supporters of the program’s remaining training sessions include: the Cooperative of Producer Groups of Imathia, the Agricultural Poultry Cooperative of Ioannina PINDOS, COMPO EXPERT Hellas, and Chios Mastiha Growers Association.
The program is also supported by NBIS.
