Within the framework of the European project FoodChase – Food Supply-Chain Ecosystems for Sustainability, FoodOxys implements targeted interventions that enhance the sustainability of the agri-food chain through the scientific documentation of the nutritional value of local products.
Following actions carried out with development agencies across Greece, the new initiative was implemented in collaboration with AENOL S.A., aiming to highlight selected products of the Regional Unit of Larissa. The action was integrated into the inter-territorial cooperation framework “Selected Greek Flavours II – Greek Gastronomic Culture” (CLLD/LEADER RDP 2014–2020).
Scientific Documentation of Almonds and Walnuts from the Regional Unit of Larissa
More specifically, qualitative and quantitative laboratory analyses were conducted on almond and walnut samples from the Regional Unit of Larissa, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and the criteria of Regulation (EC) 1924/2006, for the substantiation of authorised health claims. The results highlighted significant nutritional properties.
Almond – Regional Unit of Larissa
The analysis allows for the official use of health claims regarding:
- Calcium – contributes to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- Iron – contributes to normal cognitive function and oxygen transport in the body
- Magnesium – contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal nervous system function
- Phosphorus – contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the maintenance of normal bones
- Potassium – contributes to normal nervous system function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure
- Zinc – contributes to normal immune system function and protection against oxidative stress
- Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin and Folic Acid (Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B9) – contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Walnut – Regional Unit of Larissa
The laboratory evaluation allows health claims regarding:
- Magnesium – contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function
- Manganese – contributes to normal connective tissue formation and protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Potassium – contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure
- Copper – contributes to normal iron transport and immune system function
- Zinc – contributes to normal fertility and reproduction and to normal macronutrient metabolism
Strategic Importance for FoodChase
This specific action expands the scope of FoodChase to plant-based products with high export potential, such as nuts from the Thessalian plain. The initiative highlights a complete production ecosystem, where local agriculture, scientific validation, and commercial strategy operate in a coordinated manner.
The documentation of nutritional value:
- strengthens the regional identity of the products,
- provides objective quality criteria,
- creates the conditions for sustainable differentiation in competitive markets.
At the same time, the intervention integrates core principles of FoodChase, as it enhances transparency within the supply chain and transforms nutritional quality into a measurable and scientifically substantiated attribute. In this way, the project contributes to the creation of sustainable food ecosystems, where scientific knowledge acts as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and regional development.