Export.i9: A response to the challenges of internationalisation

The Export.i9 operation, co-financed by COMPETE 2030, is InovCluster’s new endeavour to increase the competitiveness of SMEs on the international market. In an interview, Christelle Domingos, InovCluster’s Executive Director, shared how this initiative is helping companies overcome challenges and explore new opportunities.

Supporting internationalisation with innovation

Export.i9 was created with the clear aim of strengthening the export capacity of companies in the agri-food sector. ‘Competition in the domestic market is intense, and market diversification is essential for the sustainability and growth of companies,’ explains Christelle Domingos. With the support of COMPETE 2030, the project helps SMEs expand their operations abroad, offering funding of up to 50 per cent for actions such as participation in international fairs, business missions and digital marketing strategies.

According to Christelle, ‘since 2013, InovCluster has been organising the joint participation of SMEs in international fairs, responding to the needs and challenges of the agri-food sector’. Digitalisation is also a key focus, with support for setting up online shops and joining marketplaces.

Overcoming the challenges of internationalisation

SMEs face several barriers to internationalisation, such as health standards and labelling requirements, which can be complex and costly. Meeting these standards is particularly difficult for small companies that don’t have specialised teams,” says Christelle. In addition, supermarket chains often demand aggressive prices, making it difficult for Portuguese products to enter the market.

Another challenge is logistics, especially for fresh products with a short shelf life. Managing logistics in international markets can be expensive and complicated,” she adds. In this context, Export.i9 provides training support to help companies understand international regulations and develop effective export strategies.

The importance of international trade fairs

One of Export.i9‘s most effective strategies has been participation in international trade fairs, which have a direct impact on companies’ visibility and business opportunities. ‘International fairs are a crucial gateway to new markets. They are a unique opportunity for SMEs to present their products to a global audience,’ emphasises Christelle.

As well as promoting the visibility of Portuguese products, fairs strengthen the Portugal brand abroad, associating it with quality and authenticity. ‘Attending international fairs helps to consolidate Portugal’s image as a producer of premium, high-quality food,’ she says. This presence at international events also allows companies to establish valuable business relationships and obtain leads that can generate new business opportunities. ‘Participating in trade fairs is a significant investment for SMEs, but it’s a fundamental step for those who want to conquer new markets,’ Christelle stresses.

Balancing tradition and innovation

The Portuguese agri-food sector stands out for its ability to balance tradition and innovation. Christelle Domingos explains that this balance is fundamental to the success of SMEs on the international market. ‘The agri-food sector has a strong identity, built around traditional products, but which has been able to incorporate new technologies and sustainable practices,’ she says.

Valuing traditional products, many of which have certifications such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), is one of the keys to internationalisation. ‘What makes the Portuguese agri-food sector unique is its ability to preserve the authenticity of production methods while adopting technological innovations and sustainability processes,’ she adds.

InovCluster has been at the forefront of this development, promoting projects that link companies, universities and research centres. One example is the Hub4Food project, which aims to support the development of new products with ingredients of marine origin, in collaboration with technology centres such as CATAA and MARE – IP Leiria. ‘We want to directly support companies in the development of new products, while always maintaining a strong commitment to innovation,’ says Christelle.