Over 1,000 exhibitors and around 25,000 trade visitors attended this year’s special edition of Anuga FoodTec in Cologne, from April 26 to 29. Visitors from over 120 countries visited the exhibition in person, with strong attendance from other European countries. The organizers were also satisfied with visitor numbers from the Middle East and some African countries. Around 57% of the visitors came from outside of Germany. 

The interest in investing was reflected in the visitors’ profile – many managing directors and plant managers who attended approached the exhibitors with concrete project ideas, the organizers said. Machines and equipment were even purchased on the spot. A growing need was also observed for answers to questions in areas such as energy efficiency, resource conservation and sustainability. In addition to key players, numerous medium-sized companies, smaller specialists and 28 start-ups also showed innovative concepts.

Top decision-makers registered for Anuga FoodTec included representatives from companies such as: Barilla Group, Bonduelle, Cavendish Farms, Danone, Dole Food Company, Dr. Oetker, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company, McCain Foods, Nestlé, Vandemoortele, Alpro, Arla Foods, Lactalis Group, DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH, Fonterra, FrieslandCampina, Interfood Group, Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, BRF, JBS, Tönnies Unternehmensgruppe, Vion Food Group, Westfleisch SCE, Bell Food Group AG, Harry-Brot GmbH, Dairy Farmers of America, ADM, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Danone Waters, The HEINEKEN Company, Mondelēz International, Saturn Petcare, Lindt & Sprüngli, Waitrose & Partners and METRO AG.

‘Smart Solutions – Higher Flexibility’ was the guiding theme of the trade show and its technical program, which was well received by the international audience with over 200 specialist events. The DLG played a leading role in organizing a wide variety of events. Visitors were also provided with guided tours of innovations in the field of food technology. Federal Minister Cem Özdemir attended the opening of the exhibition and was given a tour highlighting a wide variety of new concepts and solutions for meeting the challenges facing food and beverage producers worldwide. 

“Anuga FoodTec is and remains the central and international meeting place for the industry. And this leading position has been clearly underlined by the successful re-launch of the trade show here in Cologne. The right concept, at the right time,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

“The high-caliber trade audience that traveled from more than 120 countries met excellently positioned and committed exhibitors here in Cologne. Intensive effective discussions characterized the course of the trade fair. The exhibitors’ feedback confirmed to us once again how important personal encounters are for a successful business,” added Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

Anuga FoodTec@home
Until June 30, visitors will be able to access the Anuga FoodTec @home digital extension and watch the congress presentations events they could not attend in person. Visitors to Anuga FoodTec can use the platform free of charge. Everyone else can also access the content after registering free of charge.

Anuga FoodTec is organized by Koelnmesse. The DLG Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (German Agricultural Society) is the technical and conceptual sponsor of Anuga FoodTec.

Anuga FoodTec 2022 in figures:

• 1,034 suppliers from 44 countries
• 60% international suppliers
• 416 exhibitors came from Germany
• 617 exhibitors from abroad
• Around 25,000 trade visitors from 120 countries, 57% of which coming from outside Germany

The next Anuga FoodTec will be held in Cologne from March 19 to 22, 2024.

At the start of Anuga FoodTec, Koelnmesse also presented its expanded brand portfolio for the food technology industry around the globe with a new brand identity. The Anuga FoodTec family includes a total of eight industry events in Germany, Italy, India, Colombia and China. 

Photo credit: Koelnmesse GmbH, Harald Fleissner