Anuga 2021 Exceeds Expectations – Western Grocer

Cologne, Germany…International, inspiring and above all, personal, that was the 36th edition of Anuga, which was staged from October 9-13 at Koelnmesse in Cologne. With more than 70,000 visitors from 169 countries and more than 4,600 exhibitors from 98 nations, the leading global trade fair for foods and beverages demonstrated that trade fairs of this size are possible again. The expo’s success showed that Germany as a trade fair location continues to hold a leading and attractive position in terms of the global competition.

“The hybrid approach worked very well and proved very popular,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse. “In the scope of Anuga @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.”

Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse, said, “Anuga 2021 made the international world of food personal again. And this euphoria and spirit of optimism was noticeable all over the trade fair.”

The dominating theme throughout the 11 halls was plant based, with products such as vegan pesto sauce made with tofu and microwaveable spicy legume cups showcased among the numerous meat and dairy alternatives, with fresh, ready-for-cooking meats and cheese the most common.

The exposition included the Anuga taste Innovation Show, which is a trend barometer and source of inspiration for the global food business. Here, the most important innovations of Anuga were presented to attendees. A total of 418 companies with more than 1,332 ideas applied for inclusion in the special show. The judges selected 67 products and concepts on the basis of idea, innovation, sustainability and creative implementation. Ten products received exceptional accolades. They 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. The next Anuga will take place October 7-11, 2023.