Innovative Snack Bars from Pomace: A Sustainable Solution by EWA Participant

“When I was making carrot juice at home, I noticed how much pulp was left over, and I didn’t want to throw it away,” said Inga. She realized she could create a product using the pomace. Initially, she made a dragee from carrots, apples, and other natural vegetables commonly found in Lithuanian gardens. Later, after joining the Empowering Women in Agrifood programme, initiated by EIT Food and coordinated by AgriFood Lithuania to support women in launching businesses within the agrifood sector, she was inspired to repurpose the valuable pomace into a more recognizable form—a bar. This tasty bar is designed to quickly satisfy hunger, making it suitable for vegans and individuals with allergies, including nut allergies.

Inga shared her thoughts on stepping outside of her comfort zone, explaining that new projects and innovations consistently challenge her to grow. "For me, learning something new is always tied to stepping beyond my comfort zone," she said, emphasizing how these experiences push her to keep learning.

Inga's mentor, Jelena Ramanauskienė, Director of Administration at Kauno Grūdai, expresses satisfaction with their collaboration, describing it as constructive, ambitious, and accompanied by positive emotions. She notes that Inga demonstrates remarkable consistency in reaching her goals, pays great attention to detail, and is always eager to learn. Her innovative approach focuses on the critical areas of life and business: wellness and sustainability. "It is extremely interesting and meaningful to be part of such projects. This healthy snack developed by Inga supports overall well-being, improves digestion, aids in weight management and heart health, and meets the needs of today’s market. Additionally, it is produced sustainably from secondary raw materials, ensuring it doesn’t harm future generations." The mentor also shared their motto: "Better food for a better future."

Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) is a pioneering programme led by EIT Food, dedicated to equipping women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector with the tools they need to thrive. For our 5th year, we welcomed 120 talented female entrepreneurs from 12 countries.

Through our intensive 6-month programme, participants receive comprehensive training, personalized mentoring, and exclusive networking opportunities. By the end of the programme, they’ll emerge with the knowledge, confidence, and support to turn their ideas into successful, sustainable businesses. Regardless of their age, family situation, or business experience, EWA welcomes women from all backgrounds.