The Valencia‑based Circle of Agro‑foods leadership, represented by Enrique Chovila, announced this Monday that widespread efforts by companies across the industry are not driving higher final costs for consumers, even as every link in the supply chain bears rising expenses.
The statement came during a ceremony at the Palau de la Alameda in Valencia, where the KM Zero platform presented its annual awards. Among the honorees were the Alicante cooperative Survivor and biologist Daniel Ramon. Attending the event were the President of the Valencian Government, Ximo Puig, and the Minister of Agriculture, Isaura Navarro.
The head of the organization, which brings together the major players in the autonomous community’s agriculture and food sector, highlighted the continued efforts of member companies during the election period and through the pandemic. He stressed that these sustained actions aim to prevent a rapid uptick in end prices for consumers, noting Valencia and Spain hold a pivotal position in the global agri‑food chain. The sector works hard to absorb rising costs while ensuring safe, high‑quality food for households across the region.
Ximo Puig underscored the agri‑food sector’s vital role as a major creator of employment and a force with broad social impact. He pointed to modernization and innovation, alongside the leadership of large food enterprises and the energy of small and medium‑sized firms, as keys to advancing food sovereignty, strengthening the industry, and promoting responsible land stewardship.
The Cercle awards recognize notable contributions from companies, initiatives, and individuals within the Valencia agri‑food network over the previous year. This year’s platform featured the KM Zero Food Innovation award, honoring a company dedicated to open innovation and collaboration in the agri‑food sector. The Valencia‑based Hucompany of the Year was credited with promoting and accelerating innovation through open collaboration. In 2022, it launched the KM Zero Venturing program, which brought together six industrial players and more than 160 foodtech startups, while also taking the annual Ftalks Food Summit, hosted in Valencia since 2019, to Mexico as part of its international outreach.
The Initiative of the Year Award went to the Pilar de la Horadada cooperative, which has pursued sustainability with a bold plan to have half of its crops grown under organic methods by 2022. This effort reflects a broader regional trend toward sustainable farming practices and increased environmental responsibility.
Finally, Doctor Daniel Ramon was named Person of the Year. Ramon, a biology professor affiliated with CSIC and a professor at the University of Valencia, led the Biopolis project. This initiative later integrated into the Archer Daniels Midland company, where Ramon served as vice president of R&D in nutrition and health and earned recognition as a microbiome champion and advocate for personalized nutrition.