Anuga debuts two trade events this year, under the patronage of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to highlight critical challenges such as combatting hunger and transforming the food supply chains, and discuss possible solutions. The events add to Anuga’s key theme in October, ‘Sustainable Growth’.

UNIDO Side Event 1: A world without hunger is possible

With 800 million people in the world affected by food shortages, this event brings forth the serious effects of hunger and malnutrition, particularly in the rural regions of South and South East Asia, India and Africa.

Experts from the food industry and from the world of politics and science scene come together to discuss innovative approaches to cooperating. Since the future will bring additional challenges such as climate-change side-effects, a comprehensive and sustainable approach by the agricultural industry is paramount to this goal. Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, will hold the keynote speech.

UNIDO Side Event 2: Food supply chains at a crossroad

UNIDO will be addressing an emerging era of change to analyze the impact it will have on the food supply chains. The second side event offers representatives from the food industry and stakeholders of the development cooperation a stage for discussing the consequences of the new Higher Requirements for Environmental and Social Standards (HREDD).

A particular focal point will be how companies can maintain a sustainable supply chain in spite of the complex challenges and how they can at the same time contribute to sustainability goals being achieved.

Müller commented on the new events: “At Anuga, around 7,500 exhibitors meet up with 130,000 visitors from all over the globe. Food and nutrition security is a key topic for UNIDO with its 171 member states. We will present our projects in Cologne and keep an eye out for new innovations and solutions that we can implement worldwide.“

Photo: Koelnmesse GmbH, Thomas Klerx