Gdingen, Polen
14 September 2026
As the global demand for sustainable food systems intensifies, the Horizon Europe-funded IMPRESS Project was at RIGA FOOD 2026, the largest and most prominent food industry fair in the Baltic region. Marcin Rakowski, representing the Nationales Forschungsinstitut für Meeresfischerei (MIR-PIB) and the IMPRESS consortium, presented groundbreaking insights focused on the education of young consumers and the transition toward sustainable marine and freshwater-based food chains.
The IMPRESS Project aims to revolutionize the market by promoting zero-waste production, circular economy models, and the development of alternative plant-based and hybrid seafood products. At RIGA FOOD 2026, MarcinRakowski’s presentation focused on a critical pillar of this transition: understanding and educating the next generation of buyers.
“Connecting young audiences with sustainable food science is not just about sharing data; it is about empowering the next generation of conscious consumers,” said Marcin Rakowski. “Young people are increasingly attuned to climate issues and sustainability. Our goal with the IMPRESS Project is to help them navigate the modern food landscape, introduce them to highly nutritional alternatives, and show them how innovative food technology can directly protect our marine ecosystems.”
Recent socio-economic research conducted by the IMPRESS consortium highlights that while younger demographics heavily value health, taste, and dietary variety, they often face barriers, such as high prices or a lack of accessible information regarding the availability of sustainable and plant-based seafood alternatives. By engaging with industry leaders and educators at RIGA FOOD, the project aims to bridge this educational gap and demonstrate how food producers can align their innovations with the real market demands of younger generations.
RIGA FOOD 2026 brings together international food professionals, innovators, and educators. The inclusion of the IMPRESS project in this year’s educational and innovation sector highlights a growing industry trend toward eco-friendly product development combined with proactive consumer education.
To view the IMPRESS Project’s exhibition details and learn more about the participants driving food innovation, visit the official RIGA FOOD 2026 catalogue: https://shorturl.at/HuPd2