Green Week celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. A century that illustrates how individually nutrition has changed and adapted to current needs: while 100 years ago the focus was purely on supply, today the agenda is shaped by the desire for individuality and sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective food production. From January 16 to 23, TH OWL demonstrated how modern research is translating these requirements into new technologies at the Genussregion OWL stand in the NRW Hall.
Technology that tastes good
The two food printers from Future Food Factory OWL in particular proved to be a crowd-puller at the stand. Over 1,300 visitors – from curious school classes to business experts – took the opportunity to experience the food production of the future live. Whether it was a personalized portrait on edible paper or freshly printed chocolate: here, visitors could taste the innovations for themselves.
Numerous conversations at the booth went far beyond just a technical souvenir. The trade fair team was able to impressively demonstrate that 3D printing is not a gimmick, but rather a response to real challenges facing the industry. For example, automating decorative work in the confectionery trade can conserve human resources without sacrificing individuality.
Political dialogue at the trade fair booth
Politicians were also impressed by the possibilities: Silke Gorißen, Minister of Agriculture and Consumer Protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, had a personalized portrait created on edible paper at the stand and exchanged ideas with the team about modern consumer trends. Dr. Oliver Vogt, Member of the German Bundestag for the Minden-Lübbecke district, was also enthusiastic about the possibilities of 3D food printing for the region and the industry.
Start-up power from OWL
The start-ups "Miss Mineva's" and "Ingwer Shoc" also underscored the region's innovative strength. With fermented soups and innovative ginger chocolate, they not only won over the audience, but also presented their ideas on the big stage: as two of only ten teams selected nationwide, they pitched their visions to a jury of experts at the Start-up Days of Green Week.
Even though victory went to another team this year, the feedback from the experts was clear. The jury expressly praised the added value of the products for sustainable nutrition and the courage of the founders.
Focus on autonomous agriculture
From January 22 to 23, the main focus area at the OWL gourmet region stand shifted to the field of modern agriculture. Professor Dr. Burkhard Wrenger and his team presented the Farmbot to the expert audience, a system that automates many steps of plant cultivation in gardens or on farms, saving working time and water. Interest in the interface between digital control and sustainable cultivation remained high among the numerous visitors during the second half of the trade fair, rounding off TH OWL's overall presence at the anniversary fair.
