Catering to innovation: Key learnings from the first edition of the ZFV Living Lab

Copyright: ZFV-Living Lab © ZFV-Unternehmungen

What happens when you facilitate an open innovation approach to build a more sustainable catering sector? The ZFV Living Lab (ZLL) set out to find out. 

The ZLL gives start-ups, companies and academic institutions access to food service testing environments to help them bring their products to life and trial sustainable ideas in real-life conditions. 

The first edition of the ZLL, supported by SFNV, launched in 2024, aiming to drive forward innovative, sustainable solutions in the food service sector. Now the ZLL is now welcoming applications for a second edition – this time with a focus on innovative solutions to reduce the food service sector’s CO2 emissions. 

We spoke with Christian Gerber, Head of Innovation at ZFV, and Olga Steiger, Head of Sustainability at ZFV, to find out more about what they’ve learnt so far and explore the benefits and challenges of open innovation.

The ZLL is an important part of ZFV’s sustainability strategy. What have you learned so far?

Christian Gerber: Our ambitious sustainability goals require bold, visionary and highly innovative solutions that can only be achieved by pooling our knowledge with other parties. An open innovation approach is fundamental to driving this sustainable transformation forward. Success stories such as FOOD2050 and FARM TO TABLE prove that we’re on the right track. 

Olga Steiger: A clear focus on sustainability challenges is key to finding targeted solutions. That’s why we always focus the Innovation Calls on a specific problem. We kept this more open in the first Innovation Call – one of our most important learnings was that having a common goal facilitates targeted innovation growth.

When the Innovation Call closes, you’ll select up to five ideas to be tested directly on the market. How will you be assessing the applications?

Olga Steiger: Above all, we check that the ideas have realistic potential to have a positive impact on the specified sustainability goals. A solution can be promising – but if it doesn’t have a sufficient impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it won’t reach the testing phase.

Christian Gerber: We realised how challenging it is to objectively categorise and compare solutions. The ideas submitted to us are usually at completely different stages of development – from just an initial idea right up to proof of market potential. The partnership also needs to offer clear added value for both sides. For us, it is particularly important that it is a level playing field and that all participants can contribute their strengths and learn from each other.

Which element of your support offer is particularly valued by ZLL participants?

Olga Steiger: Our very clear focus on sustainability can act as additional motivation for start-ups to review their ideas in relation to the topic. They also receive our expert assessment of the product’s sustainability potential.  

Christian Gerber: During the last Innovation Call, lots of the feedback we received was that start-ups want access to expertise and know-how. The main demand isn’t so much about resources but more about targeted support based on our expertise. This is really the core of the ZLL offer. In addition to access to our 200 venues, participants can benefit from more than 130 years of experience.

The ZLL testing and learning environment changes depending on the idea. How flexible does a platform that relies on open innovation need to be?

Christian Gerber: Incredibly flexible. Our multifaceted operations provide the perfect basis for this, allowing us to create the ideal testing and learning environment for any and every idea. Innovation means learning at every step and adapting to new findings and needs. Open innovation and ecosystem thinking also require courage and practice. At the same time, we do also need to address internal obstacles – we’re constantly putting our own organisation to the test.

What challenges does the consistent focus on sustainability goals pose?

Olga Steiger: One of the biggest challenges is clearly defining what we are looking for and how we assess the sustainability impact of an idea that is at an early stage.

Christian Gerber: Sustainability and economic impact don’t always match up. Combining both of these aspects in a targeted way can be a complex challenge.

How do you move forward testing on the market and what lessons have you learnt from the test phases so far?

Christian Gerber: We’ve learnt a lot from the testing phases so far. Small tests in particular are essential decision-making aids.They provide valuable insights that serve as a basis for possible pilot projects.

What are your hopes for the current Innovation Call?

Olga Steiger: I’m looking forward to closer links to our supply chain as part of this year’s Innovation Call and the potential for innovative solutions developed together with our existing partners as well. After all, we can only transform our food systems in partnership. 

Christian Gerber: I am inspired by the variety of food solutions that already exist today. We are already working with many of them – including Valley partners Luya, Yumame and EggField. However, we would also like to see more innovations that go beyond the plate – especially along the entire value chain – because we recognise that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we are always expanding our innovation ecosystem. Developing and expanding this network is essential for us. This is one of the key things we’re tackling in the ZLL Innovation Call 2025. 

The ZLL Innovation Call 2025 is open for applications until 31 March 2025. Start-ups with innovative ideas can apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/hde3aWc0UF

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