On 4 October, the largest food and drink trade fair in the world, Anuga 2025, was launched in Cologne and the first day of this trade fair demonstrated why it is the meeting point of the entire industry.
There was a distinct feeling of energy since the halls were full of visitors. Both buyers and producers, innovators or start-up companies passed through the huge exhibition place, which this year has been redesigned to make it easier to navigate the place. Exhibitors reported that the crowds were good and several visitors reported that the mood was cheerful and positive.
A Record In Size And Reach
Anuga 2025 is again record breaking. More than 8,000 exhibitors representing 110 countries are participating and the Koelnmesse occupies close to 290,000 square metres of space. More than 140,000 trade visitors are expected by the organisers over the five days.
The global combination is impressive.
It is ranked as one of the most globalised food shows in the world as an estimated 94 percent of the exhibitors are based outside Germany. The visitors were reporting meetings on day one with suppliers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and all corners of Europe.
One Spanish buyer termed it as the entire world of food under a single roof. “You come to Anuga, in case you want to know what is going on in the industry.
Plant-Based And Alternative Proteins On The Spot.
The high level of plant-based and alternative protein products was one of the largest stories of the first day. The new anuga Alternatives space provided room to meat and fish alternative companies, cultivated foods and vegan invention.
Popular brands like Veganz, Naturli, and Unfished presented their new lines, and novice brands took the chance of introducing their new ideas to the international audience. Tourists reported that the area was vibrating all through the day, and the booths were busy, and the conversations were lively.
One trade reporter present at the fair observed: Plant-based used to be a niche at Anuga. Now it is centre stage. It is in great demand, and the range is amazing – jackfruit snacks, new types of vegan cheese, etc.
Hall Layout Garners Early Positive Response
Anuga has also restructured its hall structure the first time. Fine Food and new Alternatives section are in close proximity. The grouping of meat halls is arranged in the north whereas beverages have been placed closer to a corresponding category.
This was to minimize the walking distances and make the fair more coherent. The initial responses on the first day indicate that the change is successful.
It is more reasonable, said an Italian importer. Last time I had to walk over the entire fair to compare categories. Now it’s easier to navigate.”
Some remarks were still made regarding signage and congested corridors particularly in busy locations. Yet the majority of the visitors said that the redesign was best.
Innovation Draws Crowds
The busiest places during the first day were the Taste Innovation Show, and the Boulevard of Innovation. In this case, it features exhibitors who offer new product concepts, new packaging concepts, and some new products that are ready to market.
New plant-based seafood, sugar-reduced snacks, functional drinks, and more sustainable packaging solutions became the aspects that buyers examined carefully. It was reported that innovation is no longer only about flavour or convenience, but about health, ethics and the environment.
One of the Scandinavian retailers was telling me: Our customers are demanding healthy and ethical products. At Anuga, you also find the reaction of the global suppliers. Now there is increased emphasis on clean labels, carbon footprints and circular packaging, more than ever.
Korea As Partner Country
Korea is the official partner country this year. Its pavilion was of great interest on the first day, featuring traditional and modern Korean food technology such as kimchi and ginseng food.
Delegations pointed out how the Korean firms are modernizing heritage and innovation. Korea was selected as a partner because the culture and technology of Asian food is rapidly gaining popularity around the world.
Challenges Remain
It is not smooth sailing during the first day of such a huge show. Long walks, stand crowding and the problem of scheduling meetings within limited time were observed by some of the visitors. In the case of smaller exhibitors, it is hard to stand out of 8,000 companies.
Nonetheless, majority of them claimed that these were small inconveniences in contrast to gains. It is crushing, yes, one exhibitor in Latin America confessed. But it is also the place where you find people that you would not have been able to find somewhere else.
A Promising Start
The opening of Anuga 2025 revealed that the world food industry is still rich with thoughts, ambition, and energy. The combination of size, variety, and creativeness has once again turned Cologne into the destination to be.
With the fair still going on, the focus will be on the business deals, the product launch and the broader debate of sustainability, health, and global supply chains. Nevertheless, the opening day can be seen as a good predictor that this version of Anuga will be one of the most robust versions ever.
