We spoke with… Xavier Barra, promoter of the Certo project

Xavier Barra is the promoter of CERTO, one of the six initiatives selected in the first edition of BFFood that is being mentored by the lead company CLUN. One month after pitch day, we spoke with him to explain what his project is about and to find out what the early days have been like in the acceleration phase of Business Factory Food. This is what he told us!

1. Why did you decide to apply to BFFood?

We consider it a very interesting initiative, as it combines the support of the Xunta de Galicia with that of the Galician Food Cluster, and there is direct involvement from companies and industry in the projects.

2. How did the idea for your project come about?

Due to our proximity to the food sector and by extrapolating needs from other areas at a global level, we identified the opportunity to create a product that would guarantee the product’s origin and authenticity, while also providing additional information to the consumer.

3. What do you bring that is new to the sector?

A simple and direct connection between the producer and the end customer, adding value to the product through traceability and a guarantee of authenticity.

4. At BFFood you have Pablo Gómez, Director of CLUN’s Dairy Division, as your mentor. What does he bring you?

Having Pablo as a mentor is a significant advantage that contributes to the project’s success thanks to his specific and detailed knowledge of the sector.

5. In general terms, what is BFFood meaning for you and for your project?

An opportunity to gain access to the food sector, which would otherwise be impossible to access, and to receive essential training to operate within this field.

6. How do you expect your project to be when BFFood’s acceleration programme has finished?

Our goal at the end of BFFood is to have a minimum viable product approved by our client and ready for the corresponding application and shelf-life tests. In a second phase, we will implement the label on the production line to go to market.

7. Why would you recommend BFFood to other entrepreneurs?

Because of the opportunity it offers to gain access to the sector, the support of the entire team that makes up BFFood, and the training received throughout the project’s development.

8. Finally, what would you like your company’s claim to be, and what would you like to be seen as different from other companies?

The title of our project says it all: CERTO. In Spanish, this word means safe, reliable.