Consumer Engagement Labs
Where food innovation is co-created with consumers
Embedded Files
Consumer Engagement Labs (CEL) is a proven co-creation model that brings consumers into early-stage product and innovation development. Designed for companies and research partners, it combines practical tools, training and expert guidance to enable structured collaboration between consumers, researchers and food technologists.
Rather than testing existing products, CEL focuses on co-creating new combinations of features and benefits that respond to consumer expectations. Developed by the University of Warsaw and validated with academic and industry partners, the methodology draws on design thinking and gamification, as well as anthropology, psychology and consumer behaviour research.
CEL helps organisations uncover unmet needs, explore new product directions and shape stronger concepts before major R&D investment.
Labs 2019
Labs 2019
The first Labs, launched in 2019 in Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Spain, engaged consumers aged 60+, food companies, researchers and NGOs. Through workshops and home-based tasks, participants explored older adults’ needs and co-created ideas for new food products.
Labs 2020-2012
Labs 2020-2012
In 2020, the methodology was adapted to an online format in response to COVID-19 and implemented in 10 additional countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
In 2021, follow-up online sessions focused on cooking, shopping experiences during the pandemic and packaging. They were held in Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Circular Economy Labs 2021-2022
Circular Economy Labs 2021-2022
In 2021, pilot co-creation processes in Serbia and North Macedonia shifted the focus to food packaging. With takeaway meals becoming more common, the Labs addressed the need for packaging solutions that work for traditional meals that are more difficult to pack and transport than fast food.
The process involved consumers, packaging companies, food service providers and scientific organisations, and resulted in two packaging prototypes reaching the market. In 2022, this approach was extended to Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Lithuania.
Labs 2022
Labs 2022
In 2022, the Labs focused on young people aged 15-19, while incorporating perspectives from their parents and grandparents. Workshops explored opportunities for innovative and healthy plant-based snacks tailored to the needs of older adolescents.
Labs 2023-2025
Labs 2023-2025
From 2023 onwards, organisations applying to deliver Consumer Engagement Labs define their own societal challenge and consumer target group, aligned with EIT Food strategy, missions and impact pathways. This approach strengthens partner ownership and keeps each Lab focused on a clearly defined challenge, while maintaining consistency across countries and categories.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse