GERMANY | Anuga 2025 broke all previous records, with over 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries showcasing their products in Cologne this October.
More than 145,000 trade visitors from over 190 nations took advantage of the opportunity to discover innovations, experience trends, and establish international business contacts.
The trade audience was especially strongly represented from Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
Outside Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Canada and the USA were among the top nations.
With a 94 percent share of foreign exhibitors and 80 percent share of visitors from abroad, and with its ten trade shows, Anuga impressively reinforced its position as the undisputed global platform for the F&B industry.
The visits of Alois Rainer, the German Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity, and Miryung Song, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs from the Republic of Korea, as well as numerous international delegations, also underscored the high level of political interest in the trade fair.
"Anuga impressively demonstrates the central role it plays for the international food industry: It is a showcase for the success of an entire sector and a key driver of billions in sales,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.
“The global food industry is one of the most important growth drivers worldwide. This strength becomes tangible at Anuga; it underscores the innovative power and international significance of the sector.”
Partner country Korea: "Flavour Meets Trends"
The appearance of the partner country, Korea was a special highlight of this year's trade fair. Around 100 exhibitors presented the culinary diversity and innovative strength of the country, from fermented classics like kimchi and gochujang, through to modern food tech solutions. Guided Tours, tastings, and cultural events brought Korea's cuisine to life for the trade audience.
"This year's Anuga brought K-food and global food trends together. The result was numerous successful meetings between important buyers and the establishment of new business partnerships. This demonstrates once again why Anuga is the central platform for the global food trade," said Bong Jun Yoo, Director of the Korea Food Industry Association (KFIA).
Trends, talks and tastings: An event programme with added value
Anuga successfully brought politics, business, research and the industry together, which was particularly visible on the new Anuga HORIZON Stage.
International experts, such as Edwin Bark (Redefine Meat), Hector Freitas (LIVEKINDLY Collective), and Dr Giuseppe Scionti (Novameat), provided insights into alternative proteins, sustainability, food tech, and vertical farming.
Supported by partners such as BALPro, ProVeg, Vegconomist, DLG, Lidl and REWE, the dialogue between politics and business was promoted in a targeted manner. The new trade show Anuga Alternatives celebrated a successful premiere in the immediate vicinity.
"Anuga has once again presented itself as the leading global trade fair for food and beverages. Particularly in today's era of protectionism and global tension, the trade fair has set a strong signal for international dialogue and trade,” said Björn Fromm, President of the German Association of the Retail Grocery Trade (BVLH).
The Anuga Trend Zone was a further highlight. Together with the knowledge partners, Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International, the Stage provided in-depth analyses on global food and drink trends, sustainability, plant-based food, as well as health and wellness.
The Anuga Organic on Stage focused on organic, plant-based food and sustainability. Among others, the highlights included the Organic Trade Academy's market discussion with the Minister for Agriculture, Alois Rainer, who talked about the EU Goals "30 percent organic space by 2030", as well as discussions on new regulations for genetic engineering and non-GMO products.
Further topics encompassed the future of plant-based food, sustainability strategies and innovative product developments.
High quality of the visitors
The exhibitors particularly praised the high quality of the trade visitors, including many decision-makers.
Almost all of the top 20 companies from the German food retail sector were present, including Aldi Nord and Süd, the Edeka Group, Lidl, Metro AG, and the Rewe Group. Over the course of the trade fair, Anuga 2025 achieved double-digit growth in the number of trade visitors from Germany.
Representatives from Aeon Co., Ahold Delhaize, Amazon, Auchan, Carrefour, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Intermarché, JD.com, Lotte Shopping, Tesco, Walmart and the Woolworths Group came from abroad.
#weareAnuga: The brand is growing worldwide
Anuga's strength not only lies in Cologne, but also in its global network. With satellite events in Milan, Brazil, China, India, Japan, and Thailand, as well as the latest newcomer, Anuga Select Ibérica in Madrid, the brand is continually growing. Today, the Anuga portfolio comprises ten international formats.
The next Anuga will take place from the 9th to the 13th of October 2027.
