On 16 October 2025, our gathering at Völgyhíd Konyha & Rét (8617 Kőröshegy, hrsz.: 111/3) served a dual purpose: we celebrated the iFood Élelmiszer Klaszter’s Innovation Cluster certification and hosted the official closing event of the Erasmus+ project Circular SME Scan in Hospitality (CSS-H).
What is the CSS-H project?
The Circular SME Scan in Hospitality (CSS-H) accelerates the circular transition of (micro)SMEs in tourism and hospitality. Led by STRIA / DDRIÜ, the project developed tools and learning materials that foster value-chain-wide cooperation for circularity. Its core output is an evidence-based self-diagnostic tool guiding businesses to the most relevant knowledge and actions for their specific situation—covering not only internal operations but also their position in the value chain and the local, coordinated steps this entails.
Highlights from the closing event
During the closing segment, we presented:
- How the self-diagnostic works: assessing current circular maturity and recommending targeted learning pathways.
- Value-chain collaboration points: from local suppliers and service providers to waste and by-product partners—showing how CSS-H supports coordinated local action.
- Practical SME benefits: time and cost savings, new revenue from by-products, improved compliance, and enhanced guest experience.
The 2-minute member pitches illustrated how CSS-H thinking fits real operations and how new collaborations have already started. A networking dinner closed the evening.
Results & impact
- Toolkit & training: actionable, measurable support for SMEs to progress in circularity through self-assessment and guided learning.
- Ecosystem approach: CSS-H targets the entire hospitality ecosystem, not isolated firms, to drive system-level change.
- Community momentum: the closing event confirmed the cluster’s role as a platform for knowledge sharing and new partnerships.
Thanks & what’s next
While the CSS-H project formally concluded with this event, the partnerships and tools it produced will continue to support SMEs in their circular transition. iFood Élelmiszer Klaszter will keep providing a platform for exchanging experience and launching new joint initiatives.