Castelo Branco, Portugal, Aug. 28, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's central region Agro-Industrial Cluster Association (InovCluster) is promoting a project to boost sustainable growth, competitiveness and job creation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
EXPORT.i9 is the new project to support internationalisation promoted by InovCluster for the period 2026–2028 and forms part of the association's strategy to strengthen the international presence of companies in the agri-food sector.
According to information provided by InovCluster, the project aims to continue collective internationalisation initiatives by strengthening the export capacity and international competitiveness of SMEs in the agri-food sector.
To this end, it will operate in various areas to address critical issues facing the sector, namely the low export intensity of micro and small enterprises, limited access to international distribution channels, insufficient digital skills and over-reliance on a few markets.
The project implementation combines 12 strategic actions (five international trade fairs, four business missions, one international market research initiative and two promotional campaigns) which contribute to capitalising on the global trend towards enhancement of premium, organic and gourmet products, based on authenticity and distinctive origin.
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Innovation and Digital Transition Thematic Programme (Compete 2030), with a total eligible investment of €827,384, and is due to be completed by 28 February 2028.
InovCluster, based at the Agri-Food Technology Support Centre in Castelo Branco, aims to boost the competitiveness of two local and regional production systems and seeks to raise the profile of the Central Portugal region both nationally and internationally.
It currently has a total of 144 members, of which 108 are companies, 15 are associations/co-operatives, 12 are higher education institutions, R&D institutions linked to the agro-industrial and agri-food sectors, and nine public bodies.
InovCluster has been supported by the Castelo Branco local council and is funded by Compete (the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors) and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
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