2025 marked a milestone for the DAIRY+ project, with concrete results in applied research, knowledge transfer and the creation of cross-border networks in the dairy sector.
Innovative experimentation: from pilot plant to new products
The core of the research activity focused on the AgroFood Research Laboratory (LARA) of the University of Udine, where a pilot concentration plant dedicated to the valorisation of whey, the most abundant by-product of the dairy supply chain, was installed.
Researchers developed innovative dairy products: a spreadable cheese enriched with proteins obtained from the whey concentration process and a probiotic yogurt. The Institute of Dairy Science and Probiotics of the University of Ljubljana and the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie actively supported the experimentation, focusing on rheological aspects, sensory analysis, metabolomics and metagenomic analysis to assess the microbial ecology of the developed products.
Training and knowledge transfer to operators
The project implemented a common capacity-building programme for sector operators in Italy and Slovenia. A series of training workshops addressed crucial topics: dairy economics, innovative management and valorisation of by-products, food hygiene and safety, nutritional labelling and support tools for dairy investments.
Particularly significant was the study visit to the Ljubljana area, where participants learned from successful best practices such as those of Arhel d.o.o., which launched the Viva La Gaia brand line of whey-based beverages, and Acies Bio, specialised in the development and scale-up of bioprocesses.
Cross-border networking and European synergies
On 10 October, a cross-border networking event was held in Tolmin during the well-attended Frika Fest, bringing together experts, key stakeholders and local Slovenian, Italian and Austrian operators to discuss tradition and innovation in the dairy supply chain.
In November, the project valorised synergies with other European-funded initiatives by organising the "Networking Dinner for Circular Thinkers", an exchange opportunity with representatives from the NETTLE (Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria), VALOStones (PRIMA Programme) and im-PACK (PRIMA Programme) projects. DAIRY+ also participated in the Synergy Event promoted by the DI4A of the University of Udine on the theme of biomolecule valorisation in food and non-food applications.
Communication and dissemination: the Best Practices Manual
The bilingual Best Practices Manual for the circular valorisation of supply chain by-products was published, containing practical examples, recipes, applications in various sectors and technical information accessible to small and medium-sized producers.
The project also promoted awareness events for ecosystem stakeholders related to the dairy sector in Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia and the province of Venice, as well as presentations at conferences and targeted dissemination initiatives.
Towards the project completion
With completion scheduled for August 2026, DAIRY+ has built a solid foundation for a more sustainable and competitive cross-border dairy supply chain. Applied research, operational training, strategic networking and practical tools: the elements for change have been made available to the sector.
