Event exhibitors from Koelnmesse discussed the recent success of Anuga, a food and beverage industry trade show taking place in Cologne, Germany from October 9-13. The show had more than 70,000 visitors from 169 countries, and more than 4,600 exhibitors from 98 nations. The expo’s success demonstrated that large-scale trade shows are possible again, according to the exhibitors.
 
“The hybrid approach worked very well and proved very popular,” Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse, said. “In the scope of Anuga at home, we were able to offer those people who were not able to travel to the trade fair a good opportunity to inform themselves about specialized themes and engage in intensive networking.”
 
“Anuga 2021 made the international world of food personal again,” Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse, added, “and this euphoria and spirit of optimism was noticeable all over the trade fair.”
 
Plant-based eating was a common theme across the 11 halls, with several meat, dairy, and cheese alternatives quite commonplace. The exposition included the Anuga Taste Innovation Show, which showcases trends in the global food business. A total of 418 companies with more than 1,332 ideas applied for inclusion in the show, and judges selected 67 products and concepts based on idea categories, innovation, sustainability, and creative implementation.
 
Products which received exceptional accolades included dried salmon jerky chips, frozen beet root tots, a low-calorie agave-sweetened lager, flavor-infused olives, scallop appetizers, frozen pesto drops, saffron sauce, compostable coffee capsules, jackfruit vegetable balls, and 100% fruit and vegetable bars.
 
Anuga is slated to return from October 7-11, 2023.