Anuga FoodTec 2024 was a complete success
Anuga FoodTec 2024 has once again strengthened its position as the primary supplier trade fair and central platform for the global food and beverage industry. 'Responsibility' was the guiding theme of the trade fair and its extensive specialist program, which provided answers to questions in the areas of alternative protein sources, energy and water management, digitalization and artificial intelligence. New technologies and concepts for the sustainable use of natural resources were presented along the entire value chain. The participation of 1.307 companies and almost 40.000 trade visitors from 133 countries underlines the status of Anuga FoodTec as a pioneer for future-oriented solutions in food technology.
“At this year’s Anuga FoodTec it became clear that real responsibility goes far beyond day-to-day business; it is the driving force for sustainable and long-term growth. In every discussion, every presentation and every new product, we saw how crucial it is to make bold decisions today for our shared future," reflects Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
“The networking of science and business practice as well as interdisciplinary networking have been exemplary. This creates synergies that form the basis for comprehensive innovations. And we need them more for a sustainable food system of the future, in which Anuga FoodTec is an essential part as a B2B innovation and networking platform,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Katharina Riehn, Chairwoman of the DLG Food Specialist Center and Vice President of the DLG.
Opening speech from the Club of Rome
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, opened Anuga FoodTec with an impressive lecture that highlighted the urgent needs of sustainable developments. Her keynote speech was closely based on the guiding theme of 'Responsibility' and the indispensable importance of environmentally friendly production processes. With her speech, Dixson-Declève gave a decisive impulse towards sustainable transformation. At Anuga FoodTec, the exhibitors already presented what a practical implementation of the ideals mentioned could look like.
Commitment of the industry: A noticeable change in thinking
Anuga FoodTec demonstrated emphatically: core issues such as responsibility, value creation, climate neutrality and food security significantly shape the direction of the food and beverage industry - far from short-lived trends. The machines on display offered, among other things, insights into innovative strategies for minimizing food losses and treating wastewater. They also presented processes such as high pressure processing, which keeps food fresher for longer without preservatives. Another focus was on reducing the use of plastic and using alternative packaging materials. In addition, advances in the production of plant-based foods were presented, which serve as future-oriented solutions for more sustainable diets. For the first time, a system was presented that makes it possible to produce cultivated food on an industrial scale. The on-site presentations impressively illustrated how the companies are facing the challenges of a future that is both economically and ecologically sustainable.
Highlights and innovations from Anuga FoodTec 2024
An innovative focus was set with the new exhibition area 'Environment & Energy'. This area was dedicated to the advanced energy solutions that are playing a growing role in the food industry. The focus was on technologies such as solar thermal energy, heat pumps, biogas and biomass, which not only contribute to the energy transition, but also help to significantly reduce companies' CO₂ emissions and comprehensively increase energy efficiency. A highlight was the presentation of the International FoodTec Awards. The focus was on 14 innovation projects from the global food and supply industry. For detailed information about the International FoodTec Award, please refer to our separate press release.
Exhibitors/top decision makers
The top-class, international exhibitors were matched by the equally high-class trade fair audience. The top decision-makers who were registered for Anuga FoodTec include representatives of companies such as AB InBev, Arla Foods, Asahi, Conagra, Danone, DMK Deutsches Milchkontor, Dr. Oetker, Friesland Campina, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Lactalis, McCain, Meiji, Mengniu, Mondelez, Müller, Nestlé, Nomad, Plukon, Saputo, Schreiber, Sprehe, Unilever, Yili and many others.
Anuga FoodTec 2024 in numbers
A total of almost 40.000 trade visitors from 133 countries were counted, the proportion from abroad was over 60 percent. The largest groups of visitors outside Europe came from China, the USA, Korea, Israel and Japan. 2024 exhibitors took part in Anuga FoodTec 1.307. Thanks to an increased average area, visitors were able to look forward to an even greater variety of exhibits and live demonstrations this year. The longest exhibit was particularly impressive at 35 meters long.
Anuga FoodTec is the leading international supplier trade fair for the food and beverage industry. Organized by Koelnmesse, the next trade fair will take place in Cologne from February 23rd to 26.02.2027th, XNUMX. The technical partner and conceptual sponsor is the DLG, German Agricultural Society.
For more information, see www.anugafoodtec.de
