The University Graduates the First MINEA Class: A Sustainable Future for the Food Industry

The School of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Navarra held the closing ceremony for the first Master's Degree class of Master's Degree in management and Nutritional Innovation in Food Companies (MINEA) at its campus . In a ceremony marked by emotion and recognition of the efforts of 16 pioneering students, the crucial role of training in leading the transformation of the agri-food sector was highlighted.

The director of Master's Degree, Amelia Martí, presided over the ceremony alongside the dean of the School, María Javier Ramírez, and summarized the experience of this first graduating class in three fundamental pillars: dreams, excellence, and solidarity. Martí emphasized that the graduates had risen to the challenge committing to an innovative program that strives for professional excellence without neglecting the human element. “You have forged bonds of support, camaraderie, and generosity that you will likely remember forever,” the director noted, highlighting solidarity as the greatest strength of this group has successfully worked as a team while meeting the institution’s rigorous academic standards.

The Challenge of Sustainability and Innovation
The guest of honor and keynote speaker lecture the lecture was Rubén Hidalgo, director Impact Investment at the group Lechera Asturianagroup . During his remarks, Hidalgo argued that the main challenge facing the industry today is to create a framework for environmental, social, and economic impact that maintains competitiveness while reducing the carbon footprint and implementing the circular bioeconomy.

Hidalgo encouraged the recent graduates to embrace their responsibility as the sector’s new professionals: “The future of food is in your hands… in your ability to imagine possibilities and commit to better scenarios.” He also identified three driving forces behind current innovation: regulatory changes in subject ; cultural shifts that are driving new consumption patterns; and technological advancements, led by generative artificial intelligence and research into the microbiome.

"MINEA Empoderada": The Students' Voice
Speaking on behalf of the students, student representatives Amalia Bárcena and Eva Fernández reflected on the milestones of this academic year, from the "total confusion" of the first day to the creation of a group under the slogan "MINEA EMPODERADA."

speech highlighted the practical nature of Master's Degree, noting the complex strategic challenges presented by the case method taught by IESE faculty and the finance lessons based on real-world business models. "Sustainability and nutrition are not only the future of food companies, but also the driving force behind a better world," concluded Amalia Bárcena before submission .

A Program with a 360-Degree Perspective
With this first graduating class, MINEA has established itself as a leader in the training specialized and versatile professionals. The program, which is built on a strong partnership academia and industry, prepares students in the areas of nutritional innovation, accounting, marketing, and corporate sustainability, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the food business.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional anthem “Gaudeamus Igitur,” marking the end of an academic journey that has transformed these 16 students into the new leaders of an industry striving to become healthier, manager focused on global well-being.

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