Addressing the conference themes of “eat local” and good practices within the industry, speakers emphasised the potentials for innovation within the sector, opening with Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Consumer Protection, Fernand Etgen. “The future of agriculture is open to those who are entrepreneurial, through new commercial relations and by analysing the many business-to-business approaches and opportunities,” he said.
"Luxembourg has proved that it can excel in many innovative projects, including Space Resources, so why could it not be a pioneer in the field of food?”
The Duchy’s position as a national brand that producers could build on within and outside the country was also a hot topic for the day, touched on by several speakers.
"We must also talk about the importance of the Nation Branding: the agri-food industry has a role to play in promoting the country, notably through the quality of Luxembourg products“ said Jacques Vandivinit, director of PwC Luxembourg.
The awards ceremony was held during a gala evening and recognised excellence achieved across a range of sectors. First prize, the Food Excellence Award was presented to the Tei vum Sei Cooperative, in recognition for their work cultivating aromatic plants with fertiliser, pesticides or fungicides.
Restopolis, of the Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth (MENEJ), went home with the Collective Excellence Award, while the Pall Centre took the Retail Excellence Award, and Luxlait won the Supply Chain Award.
Ouni, the first organic grocery store to eschew disposable packing in Luxembourg, was presented with the Environment Award for its work, including hosting regular workshops on more sustainable and healthier lifestyles.
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology won the FoodTech Award for WikiFood, an online platform and App that allows consumers, especially those living with allergies or following special diets, to collect and review nutritional information on more than 35,000 products.
Finally, the Grand Taste Award was presented to Fairkoperativ for its animal husbandry practices taking into account animal welfare, local production and environmental sustainability.
Image: The team from Restopolis presenting the Collective Excellence Award at the Food Summit 2017. © MENEJ
