The needs of organic food processors in terms of technical knowlegde, research and innovation (BIOFORUM)

How can the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the organic food processors in Flanders support innovation? This research question is currently under study at the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) in collaboration with BioForum Flanders. Strategic goals must be translated into operational actions and innovations by 2020. Our objective is to clarify certain difficulties for entrepreneurs and to reveal opportunities for growth and diversification. To achieve this goal, they must improve their efficiency and aim for foreign markets. Optimizing production and logistics will also be important.

The first step is to formulate a detailed SWOT analysis based on stakeholder visits and interviews, several brainstorming sessions and a literature study. The SWOT analysis is a model that analyzes the internal strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats of the environment. Once the SWOTs are identified, the SWOT analyses direct the focus of future innovation in light of the strategic goals. The purpose of the SWOT analysis is to structure the participants’ thinking about growing their market share and innovations in processed organic food.

Achieving the strategic goals and starting several innovation projects at Flemish companies result from this research project. ILVO proposes several operational actions and actual projects.  Product innovation, process innovation, marketing and logistics will all be included in the innovation plans. Important aspects of these plans are product functionality, sensorial quality, shelf life, retail demands, etc.