The THEROS Final Event took place in hybrid format at the Amalia Hotel in Athens and online on 2 December 2025.
Organised by ICCS and SEAB, the event showcased the EU-funded THEROS project (“An integrated toolbox for improved verification and prevention of adulterations and non-compliances in organic and geographical indications food supply chain”) and its contribution to more trustworthy food systems.
Following an introduction by representatives of the THEROS Coordination team, and specifically Mr. Valantis Tsiakos (Division Leader, Earth Observation & Monitoring at I-SENSE/ICCS), Policy Officer Ms. Patricia Lopez Blanco (DG AGRI) delivered a presentation on supporting farmers’ competitiveness. THEROS Project Manager Ms. Dimitra Tsiakou (I-SENSE/ICCS) then outlined how advanced agri-data tools can transform organic and GI supply chains.
Two thematic sessions followed.
Session I, “Smart Technologies for Authentic and Transparent Food Chains,” moderated by Ms. Tsiakou, featured presentations on:
- Key technological pillars of the THEROS toolbox: satellite intelligence for monitoring organic farming and sustainability (Nejc Vesel, Sinergise),
- Portable photonic sensors for on-site adulteration detection (Achilleas Zalidis, AUTH),
- IoT networks securing every step of the food journey (Michal Kepka, WIRELESSINFO),
- DNA-based methods for verifying food authenticity and origin (Lefkothea Karapetsi, CERTH).
Session II, moderated by Ms. Elena Krikigianni (SEAB), linked THEROS with other European initiatives:
- FishEUTrust project on seafood authenticity, safety and supply-chain transparency (Prof. Nives Ogrinc, Jožef Stefan Institute)
- ALLIANCE project on smart solutions for food safety and authenticity in food supply chain management (Dr. Apostolis Apostolaras)
- European Food Fraud Community of Practice (EFF-CoP), presented as a frontline network against food fraud by Saskia van Ruth (University College Dublin).
It was also proudly announced by Ms Vesna Vidić, Executive Secretary to the Group President and Director, Legal and Office Affairs, that UNIVEREXPORT’s organic flour and organic cold-pressed sunflower oil, which were used and deployed within the THEROS project, have been awarded the “Best of Vojvodina” label. This recognition confirms the company’s dedication to domestic organic production carried out entirely on its own field in Lipar – from cultivation to the final product, underlining how transparency, quality and local origin remain the key values of the company and of the Organa brand. As a company originating from Vojvodina, UNIVEREXPORT is proud that its work has been recognised for the second time and that its products have found their way to the hearts of consumers, with the effort and results jointly achieved through the THEROS project expected to provide a strong competitive advantage and to further determine its position as an organic producer.
The day concluded with final remarks from Ms. Tsiakou, who emphasised how THEROS and its sister projects collectively strengthen authenticity, transparency and trust in European food supply chains.
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