The food ecosystem under the microscope

As part of their partnership, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and Luxinnovation have launched the first Agri-food Mapping, a comprehensive representation of Luxembourg’s food ecosystem. Its objective is to enhance understanding of the sector by identifying the companies and actors involved, and by providing a visual overview of their characteristics.

Developing resilient and diversified agri-food value chains is one of the ministry’s priorities, as these form the foundation of an agriculture that is economically viable, socially fair and environmentally responsible.

An interactive dashboard

The mapping takes the form of a dynamic, interactive online dashboard. No fewer than 747 companies and public entities active in the processing and marketing of agri-food products are currently categorised by sector (including meat, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and eggs, beverages, fish, cereals and grains, other products, and food supplements).

For example, the beverage sector is the most represented, accounting for 32% of the agri-food industry, while the fruit and vegetable, dairy, and egg sectors appear at the lower end of the scale..

This tool enables us to identify the key players and highlight potential opportunities. Martine Hansen, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture

The mapping also identifies agricultural facilitators – some 280 companies that enhance the productivity, sustainability and resilience of the agri-food sector, notably through innovation. These include suppliers of products and services, technology providers, research and testing organisations, certification bodies, consultants and advisers, investors and financial institutions, accelerators and institutional facilitators.

Working closely with experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and its administrations, all data were carefully analysed and validated to ensure precise and reliable information on all key players within the agri-food sector.

“This tool makes it possible to identify the key players, the sectors and their economic and strategic importance within the Luxembourg agri-food industry. It also reveals potential opportunities,” adds Minister Hansen.

The development of the tool has helped to bring to light many actors who were previously less visible, yet who play an active role in the ecosystem. Mario Grotz, CEO Luxinnovation

The direct beneficiaries include food processing, wholesale and retail companies, as well as agri-food distributors and suppliers of products and services within the sector.

Developing the agri-food sector and its value chains

In July 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and Luxinnovation signed a three-year partnership agreement to support the agri-food sector. Luxinnovation’s mission is to share its expertise and facilitate access to knowledge, funding, networks and business opportunities.

A first tangible outcome of this collaboration was the publication of a brochure summarising the various support schemes available across the sector, presented in 2024. A digital version of the brochure is currently in development.

Regarding the mapping of the food ecosystem, "the main players in the sector are well known in Luxembourg. However, the development of this tool has revealed many actors who were previously not very visible but who actively contribute to the ecosystem or offer relevant solutions," explains Mario Grotz, CEO of Luxinnovation. " Beyond this identification, the tool enables these companies to benefit from Luxinnovation’s services and will play a central role in implementing strategic actions co-developed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, aimed at structuring and strengthening the agri-food ecosystem."