400 exhibitors from Croatia and Europe
As representatives of EIT Food, we joined the 32nd Bjelovar Autumn International Fair in Gudovac!
The ceremonial opening of the fair was attended by Marinko Beljo, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. Also present were Marko Marušić, Prefect of Bjelovar-Bilogora County, and Dario Hrebak, Mayor of Bjelovar.
The fair brought together 400 exhibitors from Croatia and Europe, as well as numerous visitors from various branches of agriculture, thanks to accompanying events and fairs: the 9th Fifth Element (the largest renewable energy fair in Croatia), the National Livestock Exhibition, the 8th Wood World event, and fairs of livestock equipment, continental tourism, and commercial vehicles. These events offered visitors the opportunity to learn about new technologies, products, and innovations in agriculture and livestock farming.
EIT Food and the Opportunities It Offers
During the three days of the fair, we spoke with many visitors about the opportunities that EIT Food provides in connecting innovation, knowledge, and funding within the agri-food sector.
We were particularly pleased by the strong interest in the lecture delivered by the Coordinator of EIT Food Hub Croatia, our Dario Zorić, titled “EIT Food – From an Innovative Idea to Support and Funding in the Agri-Food Sector”, as well as the informal gatherings at our stand. In addition to business topics, we shared stories, recipes, and knowledge about more sustainable eating habits from the past.
Lecture: “EIT Food – From an Innovative Idea to Support and Funding in the Agri-Food Sector”
In his introductory lecture, Dario Zorić, Coordinator of EIT Food Hub Croatia, presented the EIT Food community and current EIT Food opportunities. He guided interested participants through the latest trends shaping the agri-food industry: alternative protein sources (lab-grown meat, insects, plant-based proteins), personalized nutrition, digitalization and automation, functional foods, sustainable production, and more. EIT Food entrepreneurship programs in the agri-food sector were also presented, offering support across all stages of business development. At the end of the lecture, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and received expert answers from our speaker.
For everyone considering innovation in the agri-food sector, this lecture was an ideal opportunity to discover what consumers are looking for and where the market is heading. Participants also learned which entrepreneurial opportunities are currently available through EIT Food programs—from education and mentoring to direct financial support.
Significance of the Event
The fair in Gudovac is the largest event of its kind in the Republic of Croatia and the wider region. It is an international economic, trade, and livestock event where exhibitors can present innovations and exchange business experiences. In such an environment, topics related to innovation in the sector fit naturally, encouraging participants to think outside the box and explore new, innovative ideas.
About the EIT Food Knowledge and Innovation Community
EIT Food is the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. We drive innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for everyone.
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organizations, and individuals who share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities, create and support startups in the agri-food sector, and bring new technologies and products to the market. We equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and place consumers at the heart of our work—helping rebuild trust by reconnecting people with the sources of their food.
We are one of the nine innovation communities established by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an independent EU body founded in 2008 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.
Learn more at www.eitfood.eu or follow us on social media.
Learn more about the projects we implement within the EIT Food Hub Croatia community.
