COVID-19 is having a sustainable impact on peoples’ lives and has clearly demonstrated that changes can occur suddenly and bring about strong effects. The pandemic is having a magnifying glass effect and is revealing the health policy, economic and social weak spots. Furthermore, it is not only illustrating the volatility of the global food and ecosystem that was already visible before COVID-19, but is once again underlining the necessity for global change. A representative survey carried out among the exhibitors and visitors of Anuga 2019, in which 60 percent stated that the industry is facing significant change, also confirms this. It is no longer purely about how to feed the approx. 10 billion people in the future, but how a sustainable food transformation can be achieved with the aid of digitalisation and technological progress and with regards to the climate-related challenges.
The organisers of Anuga are aware of this transition and are thus placing the focus on food transformation this year in the scope of their key topic “Transform”. The largest trade fair for food and beverages worldwide sees itself as an international business network and central communication platform, which is actively accompanying the transformation process and supporting the industry in securing and maintaining economic success.
“We are not only observing how the implementation of the food transformation is occurring within the agricultural sector, in the production of food and beverages or in the global supply and value chains, it is also demanding a new approach with regards to eating habits and consumer behaviour. On top of this there are additional current challenges such as export and travel restrictions, the increased demand for products that are beneficial to health, the virtual standstill in the out-of-home market as well as an area of tension between different systems, for example globalisation versus deglobalisation or convenience versus sustainability and zero waste. Anuga 2021 will offer new formats here, which will make the many transformation processes visible,” explained Stefanie Mauritz, Director Anuga.
In addition to the 10 trade shows, the already announced, new, digital platform, Anuga@home, which is enhancing the physical trade in 2021 and thus providing a hybrid format, will tread new paths and provide further inspiration. This gives the customers of Anuga the option to participate even without physically visiting the trade fair. From panel discussions, to online seminars, corporate and product presentations, through to the virtual café, there is something for everyone. This results in a platform on which experts and decision-makers from the most varied sections can come together to discuss and instigate new, sustainable avenues for the food and beverage industry.
Food trends and focus themes
The transformation process of the industry is particularly reflected in the food trends and focus themes of Anuga 2021. This demonstrates that the food and beverage industry is encountering the challenges of the transformation with new approaches and innovative products. The mega trends include the themes sustainability, health and digitalisation, which was also confirmed by a representative survey of the exhibitors and visitors of Anuga 2019. The additional food trends include alternative meat proteins, clean label, convenience & snacking, free from & health foods, plant-based proteins or foods, superfoods & ancient grains as well as sustainably produced or packaged and focus themes like halal, kosher, gourmet & speciality foods and private label.
For further information see: https://www.anuga.com/fair/food-trends-and-key-topics/
New congress and specialised event formats
“Transform” will also be visible within the congress and event programme of Anuga 2021. In the scope of the Anuga debut of the New Food Conference organised by ProVeg under the motto “Plant-based meets cellular agriculture” as well as the continuation of the innovation summit “Newtrition X – personalised diets”, together with foodregio the focus will be placed on sustainable and health-promoting food.
Furthermore, the new, special format “Anuga Clean Label” does justice to the mega trend sustainability and the resulting growing demand for clean eating, the consumers’ desire for healthy foods that are prepared naturally. Participating in the new special format, Anuga Clean Label, will allow the exhibitors to attract the increased attention of international buyers, who are looking for products from the non-GMO and natural section.
Anuga is additionally picking up on the second mega trend “Health” with its special format “Free From, Health & Functional”. A participation here offers the buyer interested in trend products a targeted overview of this product range and at the same time provides the exhibitors of the trade fair with a focused stage for the placement of products with a health-oriented additional benefit.Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec:
Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany, but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which in turn grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international busines
