The world’s largest food products technology trade fair in Cologne is the world’s only supply trade fair that covers every aspect of food products and beverages production. The fair’s attendance by 1,307 companies and just under 40,000 industry attendees from 133 countries underscores the Anuga FoodTec’s position as a pioneering platform for cutting edge solutions in food products technology.

The event once again reinforced its position as the primary supplier trade fair and the central platform of the global food products and beverages industry. “Responsibility” was the leading theme at this year’s fair and its extensive programme, providing answers to questions from the fields of alternative protein sources, energy and water management, digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. New technologies and concepts for the sustainable treatment of natural resources throughout the entire added value chain were presented.

Looking back, Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of the Koelnmesse convention centre, said, “This year’s Anuga FoodTec fair made it clear that genuine responsibility extends far beyond daily business. It is the driving force for sustainable, lasting growth. In every discussion, every presentation and every new product, we saw how decisive it is to make courageous decisions today for our mutual future.”

“The interconnectivity of science and entrepreneurial practice along with interdisciplinary networking were achieved in exemplary style. This creates synergies that represent the basis for overarching innovations. And we need these for a feasible future nutrition system in which the Anuga FoodTec fair is an essential component of the B2B innovation and networking platform,” emphasised Prof. Dr Katharina Riehn, Chairperson of the DLG’s centre of expertise for food and Vice President of the DLG.

The Anuga FoodTec poignantly demonstrated that core issues like responsibility, added value, climate neutrality and food security are crucial aspects guiding the direction of the food products and beverages industry. The machines that were exhibited provided insights and more into innovative strategies for minimising food losses and the treatment of wastewater. Additional focus was placed on reducing the use of plastics and on using alternative packaging materials. Progress was also presented on the production of plant-based food products that serve as trailblazing solutions for more sustainable diets in the future.

The new “Environment & Energy” exhibition area set an innovative primary focus. This field is dedicated to progressive energy solutions that are playing a growing role. The focus was on technologies such as solar thermal energy, heat pumps, biogas and biomasses that not only make up part of the energy transformation, but which also contribute to significantly reducing companies’ CO2 emissions and extensively increase energy efficiency.

Koelnmesse presents the next Anuga FoodTec fair from February 23rd to 26th, 2027 in Cologne.