Sustainable Food Innovation Takes Centre Stage: Anuga and Ecotrophelia Europe Lead the Way – ISN Reveal
James Taylor
In a powerful statement of purpose and progress, Anuga, the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages, is once again proving why it is considered the global hub for innovation in the food sector. By renewing its collaboration with Ecotrophelia Europe, the leading European competition for sustainable food innovation, Anuga is turning the spotlight on young food visionaries and the future of the industry.
As part of Anuga 2025, taking place in Cologne from 4 to 8 October, the European finals of Ecotrophelia Europe will be held in the Congress Centre North on 7 and 8 October. The prestigious award ceremony will take place on the Trend Zone at Boulevard North, offering a fitting stage for breakthrough ideas that blend sustainability, entrepreneurship, and scientific excellence.
“Our partnership with Ecotrophelia Europe is a strategic catalyst for the entire food industry,” stated Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director of Anuga. “Together, we’re creating a platform where sustainable innovation, young entrepreneurship, and industrial networking converge at the highest level.”
Indeed, this partnership is more than a competition — it is a clear commitment to investing in the next generation of talent, promoting sustainable growth, and shaping the future of food.
Where Innovation Meets Talent
Dubbed the Champions League of food innovation, Ecotrophelia Europe has been driving the conversation on sustainable food for over 25 years. Participating countries host national rounds where university teams – made up of 2 to 10 students – develop groundbreaking product ideas with sustainability at their core. National winners then advance to the European finals, offering a rare opportunity for young minds to engage directly with industry leaders, investors, and global retailers.
Organised by EEIG Ecotrophelia Europe, in partnership with FoodDrinkEurope and EIT Food, the competition exemplifies the power of cross-border cooperation to spark innovation.
“We are thrilled to return to Anuga in 2025,” said Maarten van der Kamp, President of Ecotrophelia Europe. “Our collaboration with Koelnmesse allows us to bring together bright minds from across Europe, giving them the stage to showcase how innovation is shaping our food future. The support and creativity of the Anuga team have been instrumental in elevating this initiative.”
Global Recognition – Korea Joins the League
In a historic first, South Korea will participate in the Ecotrophelia Europe finals — a milestone that signifies the competition’s growing global resonance. As Anuga’s official partner country in 2025, Korea will present a student team of four members, introducing their cutting-edge product, “To-flex.”
This landmark inclusion is more than symbolic; it reflects the increasing global collaboration needed to solve food industry challenges. Korea’s dual role as both Anuga’s partner country and the first non-European team in Ecotrophelia highlights the event’s evolution into a truly international platform for sustainable innovation.
A Strategic Platform for Global Food Progress
Hosting the Ecotrophelia finals within Anuga underscores Cologne’s role as the food world’s innovation capital. It attracts fresh ideas, engages new target groups, and fosters valuable connections across academia, industry, and investment sectors.
Beyond Anuga, Koelnmesse’s global influence in the food and beverage industry is unrivalled. Through leading international events like Anuga FoodTec, ISM, and ProSweets Cologne, as well as key shows in Brazil, China, India, Japan, and beyond, Koelnmesse is shaping the global food innovation landscape.
With every event, Koelnmesse proves its dedication not just to showcasing products, but to building ecosystems — where sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration are not buzzwords but strategic pillars.
As Anuga 2025 approaches, the message is clear