Title:
INNOVATION ACTIVITIES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATEGIES IN INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECTOR

Authors:
Apostolos D. Zaridis and Anastasia Logotheti

Abstract:
The global food and beverage industry is one of the most basic industries in the world. The Food Industry has maintained its fundamental role over the years and remains a key driver of growth, while it is fundamental to the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this study is to identify the innovation initiatives that have been implemented in a particular sector as well as those strategies and practices, which help to innovate in this sector worldwide. Based on an Online Desk Research, information was collected from some sources, i.e. electronic databases, business press and food industry. The authors found out that these innovative activities include technological and non-technological activities that enterprises of the industry try to exploit and gain a competitive advantage in the market. The five top trends in the food and beverage industry are the production of nutritional products with high nutritional value, the functional drinks, the convenience food products, the supply chain transparency, and the innovative packaging. Innovation can be found anywhere in the food production chain including chain-links like primary production, harvesting and handling of raw materials; raw materials and other ingredients; adoption of new technologies aimed at milder or more economical food processing; standardization and upgrading of food quality and safety; management and monitoring of production processes; packing; distribution and marketing. Anyway, good practices and strategies promote for sure innovation in the Food industry

Keywords:
Strategy; Entrepreneurship; Innovation; Food Industry; Food Sector