Today, Maribor officially launched the ORbITaLA Innovation Hub, operated by the Regional Development Agency for the Podravje Region – Maribor. This new center is dedicated to supporting the development of local food networks in Slovenia, such as cooperatives, linking local producers and consumers. These networks aim to create sustainable, community-based food systems, making locally grown food more accessible while reducing environmental impact. The ORbITaLA Innovation Hub aims to improve access to locally produced food while contributing to reduction of the environmental footprint.
Alternative Food Networks connect local producers and consumers and provide direct access to fresh, sustainably produced food, bypassing traditional retail chains and reducing intermediaries. This fosters more genuine, eco-friendly connections between local producers and consumers.
ORbITaLA is part of the international Food4CE project, coordinated by the University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering and Architecture (UM FGPA). The aim of the project is to set up five regional innovation hubs in Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland. These hubs will share best practices in digitalization and logistics for local food networks across these countries.
Located at Pobreška cesta 20 in Maribor, ORbITaLA will be open every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering both virtual and in-person services. The hub is designed as a collaborative space for researchers, representatives of Alternative Food Networks, local food providers, logistics operators and policy makers to develop practical solutions for sustainable local food systems and improve the efficiency of these networks.
At the launch, two key tools were introduced for the first time – the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP) and the Matchmaking Platform (MP). The two platforms will play an important role in sharing knowledge and helping local food networks improve logistics and build stronger connections within Alternative Food Networks. The goal is to strengthen local food supply, increase the efficiency of short supply chains, and promote environmental sustainability.
Danijela Kocuvan, Innovation Hub Focal Point at RRA Podravje – Maribor stated: “ As demand for locally produced food grows, new business opportunities open up for Alternative Food Networks and suppliers to deliver food directly to consumers. This approach benefits the wider community and boosts the local economy. ORbITaLA will therefore provide a supportive environment where knowledge and resources can be shared to meet the needs of these networks and suppliers”.
Maršenka Marksel from UM FGPA added: “ Local food producers face challenges with digitalization, logistics, and transport, especially for products requiring a cold chain. By working together with logistics partners, we aim to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve their overall efficiency. Sharing best practices will support those facing these challenges and enhance their daily operations.”
Attendees at the opening shared insights that highlight the hub’s mission and bring real-world experience to the table:
Klemen Hartman, Krapše, d. o. o.: “ For 22 years, Krapše has provided reliable food logistics, a crucial link for suppliers and end users alike. Through the years we’ve developed a robust cold chain that ensures safe delivery of chilled and frozen foods to schools, hospitals, and care homes. This is essential for the quality of meals provided to children, patients, and residents. In the recent years many large organizations have recognized the value in outsourcing logistics, and for smaller companies, our service provides reliable cold-chain delivery”.
Simona Sternad Vogrin, Kmetijska zadruga Rače: “Delivering meat products with a constant cold chain is challenging, especially when supplying diverse customers like public institutions and local businesses as each has its unique operational requirements. Due to specific customer demands and staffing shortages on both sides, the cooperative sometimes struggles to complete orders. The hub’s support in connecting us with logistics providers will improve our ability to make reliable deliveries”.
Gorazd Kocbek, Oljarna Kocbek: “Our family’s long-standing tradition in pumpkin seed oil relies on quality and reliability. We depend on logistics partners to get our products safely and promptly to customers. Since our logistics needs are specific and variable, flexibility from our logistics partner, along with assurance of reliability and safety, is crucial”.
Martin Pečar, OmniOpti: “Our logistics optimization systems enable companies to save from 10% to 40% on distribution costs, leading to more sustainable and efficient operations”.
The ORbITaLA Innovation Hub is bringing together key players in local food supply chains – from producers and logistics operators to retailers and consumers. This helps improve transportation efficiency, reduce distribution costs, optimize route planning, minimize food waste, and establish a more resilient and sustainable food system in the region – one that can better address local needs and environmental challenges.
Additional information:
Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor
Contact person for the Innovation Hub ORbITaLA: Danijela Kocuvan
Telephone: 00386 41 630 678
E-mail: danijela.kocuvan@rra-podravje.si