The LIKE‑A‑PRO closing event brings together experts from the European alternative protein sector in San Sebastián to address the industry’s main challenges and opportunities. Throughout the day, key issues such as innovation in ingredients, industrial development and scaling, regulatory frameworks and consumer adoption will be discussed.

09.30
Registration & Welcome Coffee

10:00 – 10:10
Welcome & Opening Remarks. Morena Silvestrini (CNTA).

10:10 -10:30
Keynote: The global state of alternative proteins 2026
Carlos Campillo, responsable de asuntos públicos en Good Food Institute (GFI).

10:30 – 11:00
Next-gen protein ingredients: functionality, scalability and industrial readiness
Overview of how emerging protein ingredients are evolving towards industrial application, covering advances in plant-based structuring, digestibility and precision fermentation.
Moderator: Mahmoud Hamzaoui, R&D Project Manager, CELABOR.
Speakers:
Aylin W. Sahin, Lecturer in Sustainable Food Systems at University College Cork.

11:00 – 11:30
Products and processes: developing and scaling alternative-protein products for the market
Focus on the key factors for successful product development and scale-up, from consumer-driven design to manufacturing efficiency and cost control.
Moderator: Macarena Baylos de Nárdiz, Business Development Director at CNTA.
Speakers: Richard Nystad, Cofounder at Flowfood AS.

11:30 – 12:00
Networking break

12:00 – 12:35
Regulatory and safety pathways for alternative proteins
Insights into regulatory frameworks and how to accelerate innovation through tools such as sandboxes and industry collaboration.
Moderator: TBC
Speakers:
Patricia Larráyoz, Spain’s AgriFoodTech Sandbox’s Manager at CNTA.
Hannes Malfroy, Novel Food & Regulatory Specialist at Atova Consulting.
Parima Bio.

12:35 – 13:05
Food environments, consumer behavior and market adoption
Exploration of behavioural and market drivers that influence consumer adoption, including the role of food environments and decision-making frameworks.
Moderator: Daniel de la Puente Ranea, CNTA
Speakers:
Arlind Xhelili, Project Manager at Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP).
Martin Ranninger, Country Co-Director at ProVeg International.

13:05 – 13:10
Conclusions & Closing

13:10 – 14:00
Product tasting & Networking