For two decades, Wagralim has united players in the Walloon agri-food sector around innovation, collaboration, and competitiveness. This anniversary was celebrated at Food Connections 2026, held on September 24 at the Château-Ferme de Moriensart. The annual event, organized by Wagralim and Fevia Wallonie, brought together over 400 industry professionals.
Emmanuel Vanzeveren, co-director of Wagralim, emphasized the network's role: 'A competitiveness cluster is above all a place for collaboration.' For 20 years, Wagralim has connected companies, research centers, public actors, and funders to support the transformation of the agri-food sector, now Wallonia's largest industry. The network comprises 320 members, over 80% of which are businesses, highlighting the need for agility and resilience in a transitioning environment.
Lionel Bonjean, Director General of the SPW Économie, Emploi et Recherche, reaffirmed the Walloon administration's commitment: 'An administration must be close to its beneficiaries. Our role is to create favorable conditions for innovation and economic development.' Listening to on-the-ground needs and continuously adapting support mechanisms are key.
The impact of Wagralim is evident in the journeys of member companies like Colona, a sauce manufacturer based in Waremme. Its managing director, Hervé Warnant, stressed the importance of the network effect for exporting 90% of its production. The company is undertaking an ambitious 20 million euro investment plan, benefiting from SME investment aid and integrating artificial intelligence into its processes.
Ethiquable Benelux, a cooperative specializing in fair trade and organic products, was also highlighted. A finalist for the Prix Jacques Crahay, the company champions a social economy model prioritizing people over profit. Éléonore Minette and Fanny Jolly view this recognition as validation of alternative entrepreneurial models.
The Food Innovation Awards ceremony, established for Wagralim's 20th anniversary, recognized over twenty innovative projects across categories from product innovation to societal impact. Among the awardees was Realco, a specialist in green chemistry-based cleaning solutions and a decade-long member of the network. Its CEO described the award as a 'beautiful recognition' from the agri-food sector.
Beyond the accolades, this anniversary edition underscored Wagralim's enduring strength: its ability to foster connections, stimulate collective innovation, and support companies in facing future challenges—a mission more relevant than ever for a sector balancing economic performance, sustainability, and resilience.
