Every two years, Cologne becomes the international center of the food industry when Anuga opens its doors and brings together producers, buyers, retailers, decision-makers, and innovators from all over the world. With around 8,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries and more than 160,000 visitors, it is considered the world's leading trade fair for food and beverages – a showcase for the global food industry and a source of inspiration for trends, innovations, and future topics. Anuga's particular strength lies in its structure: ten specialized trade fairs under one roof enable a clear thematic structure that makes visiting efficient and targeted. From fine food to dairy, meat, and organic products to frozen food, hot beverages, and food service – trade visitors will find everything that moves the global food industry here.
Anuga is the place where manufacturers present their new products – from classic brand-name items to innovative start-up creations. Visitors not only experience an extensive range of food products here, but also new processing technologies, packaging concepts, and marketing ideas. Topics such as clean label, plant-based nutrition, functional food, and convenience products are particularly well represented. Regional specialties from all over the world are just as much a focus as global trend products. From vegan burgers to fermented beverages, from insect protein to algae snacks—Anuga clearly demonstrates how creative, diverse, and adaptable the food industry is.
The trade fair is not only a place to exhibit, but above all to network and do business. Large retail chains, specialist wholesalers, e-commerce platforms, catering companies, and caterers use Anuga to expand their product ranges, evaluate suppliers, and initiate global partnerships. Digital tools such as matchmaking platforms, guided tours, and the “Anuga Connect” app help visitors make targeted contacts and enable efficient trade fair planning.
A central theme at Anuga is the transformation of food systems. Conferences, panel discussions, and special exhibitions address issues of global food security, resource scarcity, and climate responsibility. Numerous exhibitors showcase solutions for greater sustainability—from CO₂-neutral production and plastic-free packaging to circular economy approaches. Plant-based alternatives to meat, milk, and eggs have also long been an integral part of the trade fair—whether as start-up products or as a strategic realignment of established brands. Anuga shows that sustainability, innovation, and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive. If you are interested in other trade fairs in the region, you will find a comprehensive overview at Cologne Exhibition Center.
Whether in logistics, marketing, or product traceability, digital technologies are playing an increasingly central role in the food industry. Anuga will therefore also showcase smart labels, blockchain solutions, AI-supported demand forecasts, and new online sales strategies. Of particular interest is how virtual reality can be used in product presentation and robotics in production and packaging. The trade fair highlights how digital the food industry already is – and where the journey is headed.
A unique feature of Anuga is its extensive event and congress program. Specialist conferences such as “Anuga Horizon” and the “Anuga Executive Summit” bring together international experts, CEOs, sustainability officers, and researchers. Among other things, they discuss the nutrition of the future, changing consumer behavior, political framework conditions, and new business models. Best practice examples, start-up pitches, and keynotes from industry visionaries also make the trade fair a place of inspiration and forward thinking. At the same time, Anuga offers practical formats such as cooking shows, product workshops, and trend tours through the halls.
The cathedral city is not only ideally located geographically, but also perfectly suited to hosting an event of this magnitude thanks to its trade fair tradition, its gastronomic scene, and its role as a media location. With its open atmosphere and optimal infrastructure, Cologne is an experience for exhibitors and visitors alike – before, during, and after their visit to the trade fair. Anuga not only brings the global food market to Cologne, but also gives back to the city: for gastronomy, tourism, trade, and social dialogue around nutrition. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.anuga.com