The world's largest and most important trade fair for the food industry, Anuga, is returning in 2023 with strong participation. According to the current situation, more than 7,800 exhibitors from 118 countries are participating in the trade fair, which will take place from October 7 to 11 in Cologne, covering an exhibition space of approximately 300,000 square meters at the fully reserved trade fair center.

The share of foreign exhibitors is 94 percent. The countries with the largest number of exhibitors come from Belgium, China, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania (with 77 participants), Spain, Turkey, and the USA. Under the key theme of "Sustainable Growth," Anuga this year offers a diverse program of events and conferences, in addition to new partners, focusing on current topics in the food industry.

"Anuga 2023 is bigger and more international than ever before and confirms its ongoing success as the world's number one food fair. With ten trade shows under one roof, the largest industrial community worldwide, as well as a newly designed program of events and congresses, we will create a special experience this year," explained Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH.

Regarding visitors, Anuga will once again bring together top national and international decision-makers from trade, industry, and the out-of-home market worldwide. Numerous renowned food dealers and distributors from approximately 20 different countries have already confirmed their presence.

All major retail chains in the German-speaking region, including Aldi, dm, Dohle, Edeka, Kaufland, Lidl, Metro, Netto, Penny, and Rewe, have already registered. From abroad, among others, Auchan from France, Coop and Migros from Switzerland, Costco, Target, and Walmart from the USA, Aeon Co from Japan, Carrefour from France, Max Hypermarket from India, as well as Zona Sul from Brazil are represented.

New Partners, New Events

In the face of global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth, Anuga 2023 emphasizes the key theme of "Sustainable Growth." To discuss these topics and other issues with the industry community, the trade fair offers a demanding program of congresses and events with many top-class speakers in 2023.

Within lectures and panel discussions, topics such as achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), transparency and traceability of supply chains and products, more eco-friendly production, resource-saving raw material cultivation, food waste, and ways towards a circular food system will be discussed in partnership with new partners such as EIT Food, the European innovation initiative for food, and UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

Anuga also offers additional formats on the theme of New Food under the Anuga HORIZON banner. Alongside the top-class "Anuga HORIZON Conference" and lectures on the Anuga Trend Zone theme, innovative startups are also represented in the Anuga HORIZON exhibition area. Beyond this, in an interactive format called "Meet the Experts," there is a chance for experts from the food sector, industry, and scientific field to engage in exchange and networking.

The Anuga HORIZON Conference will bring together a series of experts and industry pioneers under the title "Inspire the Future" on October 9 and 10. The focus is on technologies, such as artificial intelligence for a sustainable food system, the role global players play in transitioning to the New Food economy, and the implementation of alternative plant-based proteins.

Trends and New Products

Supported by Anuga HORIZON, the Innovation Boulevard on the North Boulevard serves as a central hub for thematic trends and innovations. Here, visitors can find established Anuga event formats such as the "Anuga Trend Zone" and the "Anuga taste Innovation Show."

The Anuga Trend Zone presents current food product trends and market research insights from Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor, as well as other well-known retail experts on the Anuga key theme.

The special event "Anuga taste Innovation Show" is the result of the new product competition. Exhibitors present approximately 70 innovations in a special event.

In subsequent events, the focus will be on Organic and Halal topics. In the heart of Anuga Organic in Hall 5.1, Organic Supermarket 2023 will showcase the diversity of the entire organic range with a new, modern organic supermarket concept, as well as trends for the organic range in food retail.

The Anuga organic program is complemented by the new format "Anuga Organic On Stage," which includes panel discussions and lectures on trends that drive the organic industry. A highlight is a market discussion with Cem Özdemir on the topic of more organics in agriculture and trade. The Halal Market will once again present certified Halal products, as the demand for these products has increased significantly in the last three years.

Key Figures for Anuga 2023 at a glance:

• More than 7,800 exhibitors from 118 countries
• 94 percent share of foreign exhibitors
• Gross exhibition space of over 300,000 square meters