Consumer Engagement Labs
Where food innovation is co-created with consumers
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Testimonials
Testimonials
Over 7 years, Consumer Engagement Labs has brought together consumers, food companies and scientists across 20 European countries. Their shared experiences – from the first workshop to market launch – reflect how structured co-creation changes the way products are designed, developed and perceived. Here is what our partners and participants say about working with CEL.
“I learned to think differently about products. I'm not talking about recipes or specific dishes, but with a single carrot or one beet you can make so many things, not always the same ones. Many things can be used and processed in a variety of ways. It gave me a broader view of food in general, of nutrition.”
Female participant of CEL, Poland
“We experienced this kind of consumer engagement for the first time. It was a great opportunity to effectively address choices for new product development. Also, human contact during the workshop was a very grateful and pleasant aspect of the project. Another benefit is the rationalisation of our new product development process with a precise plan of action and timeline. Often new products are launched without following these procedures, so the CEL project can be a model for future activities of the company.”
Andrea Minisci, Valle Fiorita, Italy
“I am a food technologist. From my perspective, the methodology is very good. It's something that has been done for the first time in Bulgaria. For me personally, it was a great experience. And for my university, it was very useful. Firstly, because we got acquainted with this great methodology. Then because I'm really fond of the EIT activities. And finally, it's the first time we have had this connection between the university, business, and consumers.”
Dr. Rada Dinkova, Univ. of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
“The project transformed how we view consumer panels. We didn't just gather opinions – we built a collaborative engine that accelerated our transition from insight to physical prototype. CEL methodology elevates co-creation from simple feedback to rigorous collaborative design.”
Dr. Sc. Katarzyna Świąder, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland
“Co-creation was a new and eye-opening experience for us. We still refer back to the consumer insights we gained during the process, and they actively shape how we design new products today. It changed the way we think about product development – making consumers’ perspective a lasting part of our decision-making.”
Monika Kosar-Sikora, WMka, Poland
“Co-creation reshaped our initial product vision by grounding it in real consumer perception. It proved that internal R&D alone can be too subjective, while well-designed workshops provide insights that truly guide development.”
Jordan Ćirić, Streco 021, Serbia
“We gained valuable insights into the needs and preferences of a target group we are interested in, and some good ideas for new products. We would like to reach a larger number of older citizens by developing products that cater to their specific needs and identifying appropriate and financially viable distribution channels.”
Catherine Zanev, Venets.T, Bulgaria
“Working directly with consumers is a great way to understand their needs. When looking to create something innovative, it poses a bit of a challenge due to the lack of knowledge or understanding of the industry. That can be managed by thoroughly examining ideas and brainstorming them with industry professionals.”
Agnese Stunda-Zujeva, Spirulina Nord, Latvia
“Applying the CEL co-creation methodology showed me that every participant can be an innovator, even if they are not aware of it at first. Once they realise that their ideas matter, they often become surprised, encouraged, and proud to contribute.”
Dr. Milica Pojić, Institute for Food Technology of Novi Sad, Serbia
“Workshops with consumers reinforced our R&D department’s product decisions that were being made in parallel. Additionally, joint co-creation with consumers allowed us to understand even better and in greater detail the needs and expectations of our consumers.”
Krzysztof Szubierajski, Wschodni Front – Kuchnia Vikinga, Poland
“The uniqueness of CEL lies in meaningfully integrating consumers, scientists, and food producers into one co-creation process, making innovation more relevant, collaborative, and impactful. The most insightful aspect was the “from consumers for consumers” approach when consumers actively co-created product ideas. Seeing consumers take ownership of innovation made the process more authentic and truly user-driven.”
Dr. Artur Głuchowski, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland
“Working at the intersection of academia and industry, the CEL framework helped us turn consumer insights into actionable outcomes. These co-creation workshops proved that structured engagement effectively transforms diverse opinions into innovation.”
Dr. Delia-Gabriela Dumbrava, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Romania
“Developing this product through co-creation showed us the true value of working directly with consumers. Their creativity and insights challenged our initial assumptions and led to a more innovative, functional product aligned with real needs.”
Lino Manuel da Eira Sampaio, Prazeres de Outono, Portugal
“Facilitating the CEL workshops within our Kitchen Lab as a living lab showed us how consumers can actively shape innovation when given the right tools. The methodology enabled us to translate diverse insights into concrete product ideas with real market potential.”
Dr. Carla Gonçalves, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
“Working with consumers revealed how everyday challenges, such as improving sleep quality, can drive innovation. The CEL approach helped us transform these insights into structured, actionable research outcomes.”
Dr. Dragana Ubiparip, Institute for Food Technology of Novi Sad, Serbia
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