• The 2025 edition of the Anuga fair, held from October 4 to 8 in Cologne, reconfirmed the event's status as the most important global platform for the food industry.
With over 8.000 exhibitors from 110 countries and more than 145.000 visitors from over 190 nations, Anuga set new records, marking a 3,6% increase in visitor numbers compared to previous editions. The event attracted food trade professionals, political representatives and researchers, providing a unique space for the exchange of ideas, innovations and international partnerships.
Anuga 2025 brought together a remarkable diversity of participants, with 94% of exhibitors and 80% of visitors coming from outside Germany. Countries such as the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, China, Japan, Canada and the USA were represented at the highest level. Visitors included top decision-makers from companies such as Aldi, Edeka, Lidl, Metro AG, Rewe Group, as well as international giants such as Amazon, Carrefour, Costco, Tesco and Walmart. The presence of high-ranking officials such as Alois Rainer, the German Minister of Agriculture, and Miryung Song, his South Korean counterpart, underlined the political importance of the event.
"Anuga brilliantly demonstrates its central role for the international food industry. It is a showcase for the sector's success and a key driver for billion-dollar transactions. The strength of the global food industry becomes palpable here, highlighting the innovation and international relevance of this field," said Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH.
South Korea, the star of the edition
A highlight of the fair was the partner country, South Korea, which impressed with its culinary diversity and innovative solutions. Around 100 Korean exhibitors presented traditional products, such as kimchi and gochujang, alongside modern food technologies. Guided tours, tastings and cultural moments brought the richness of Korean gastronomy to the fore, facilitating new business partnerships. “Anuga 2025 united K-food with global food trends, generating successful meetings between important buyers and new business collaborations,” emphasized Bong Jun Yoo, director of the Korea Food Industry Association (KFIA).
Innovation and dialogue on the three Anuga stages
The event program was complemented by three thematic scenes, which brought trends, debates and innovative solutions to the forefront. Anuga HORIZON Stage hosted experts such as Edwin Bark (Redefine Meat) and Dr. Giuseppe Scionti (Novameat), who discussed alternative proteins, sustainability and vertical farming. Anuga Trend Zone, supported by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International, analyzed global trends, from plant-based foods to health and wellness. Anuga Organic on Stage focused on organic products and sustainability, addressing topics such as the EU's goal of reaching 30% organic agricultural area by 2030 or the new regulations on non-GMO products.
Exhibitors appreciated the high quality of visitors, especially the presence of decision-makers from the food retail sector. Almost all major companies from the top 20 of German retail were present, and the increase in the number of visitors from Germany was in double digits."Anuga set a strong signal for international dialogue and trade, especially in a period marked by protectionism and global tensions," said Björn Fromm, president of the German Retail Association (BVLH).
#weareAnuga: An expanding global community
The Anuga brand is expanding its influence beyond Cologne with satellite events in cities such as Milan, São Paulo, Shanghai, Mumbai, Tokyo, Bangkok and, most recently, Madrid with Anuga Select Ibérica. On social media, the #weareAnuga community has reached an audience of over 3 million, up 25% compared to 2023, strengthening the industry's global connections.
With an exhibition area of 300.000 m² and a portfolio of ten international formats, Anuga remains a benchmark for the food industry. The next edition is scheduled for October 9-13, 2027, promising to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation. "Anuga 2025 showed what the food industry can achieve and what unites it. It is a symbol of the peaceful exchange of ideas and business across borders," concluded Sabine Eichner, director of the German Frozen Food Association (dti).
Article and photo source: Anuga press release
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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