GERMANY | As the global trendsetter, Anuga has set significant trends and demonstrated concrete business potential with its focal themes with its knowledge partner, Innova Market Insights.
Personalised food, sustainability, alternative protein sources, and the growing influence of private labels are particularly under focus. These developments mirror the industry's increased innovative power and will play a key role at Anuga 2025.
Personalised food: To suit the people's preferences
Personalised food means consumers selectively choose food and beverages that meet their preferences and eating habits. Whereby aspects like a balanced diet, a needs-based intake of nutrients and functional food are increasingly coming under focus.
According to the Innova Trends Survey 2025, more than one-third of consumers use enriched food and beverages to target their nutrient intake. The market for products that regulate weight shows particularly strong growth, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 percent (2022-2024). The USA, India, and the United Kingdom are driving this development, while Germany is recording the highest growth within Europe.
Sustainability: Environmental awareness characterises the market
Plant-based proteins like fava beans are especially gaining in significance. The market for plant-based food with fava beans is recording 11 percent annual growth (2022-2024). Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland are the leaders here, whilst Switzerland is recording the highest growth within Europe at +108 percent.
Parallel to this, the demand for alternatives for climate-sensitive raw materials like cocoa, coffee or orange juice is increasing. Companies are increasingly betting on sustainable substitute products like carob as an alternative to cocoa, lupin coffee instead of conventional coffee or fermented fruit juices as a substitute for orange juice.
These innovative solutions contribute to reducing the environmental burden and meeting consumers' increased sustainability demands.
Alternative protein sources: Flexitarianism on the advance
The trend towards alternative protein sources is developing rapidly. Whilst plant-based proteins increased by five percent between 2020 and 2024, the demand for cultivated and microbial proteins rose by 15 percent in the same period. These are in particularly high demand in the categories Meat Substitutes (43 percent of the new introductions), Ready-made Meals (13 percent), as well as Desserts and Ice Cream (11 percent).
With the introduction of Anuga Alternatives, the new trade show will present products made from plant-based protein, insect protein, algae protein, mushroom-based protein and cell-cultivated meat.
Convenience and snacking: Enjoyment without having to do without
Snackification is still a mega trend. Around half of all consumers enjoy at least one snack a day, whereby enjoyment and comfort are the key drivers. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on smaller portions and innovative taste developments to satisfy the needs of the consumers for enjoyment and practical food.
Private label: Strong own brands booming
Own brands are above all gaining relevance in Europe and North America. In 2023 just under a third of the consumers stated that they are opting for brand names more often. Europe dominates with 62 percent of the new introductions in the private label segment, followed by North America and Asia.
Premium and Gourmet: High-quality, sustainable, exclusive
Premium products convince not only with their exclusivity but also with their sustainability and quality. Consumers increasingly expect ethically correct and healthy products. The share of premium launches among Hot Beverages (11 percent), Sauces and spices (10 percent), and Snacks (9 percent) is particularly high.
Anuga Fine Food is the biggest trade show within Anuga, and it underlines how the industry is developing and which trends are shaping the future. It is an important platform for delicatessen manufacturers and their customers from the food retail trade and food service sectors, presenting the latest innovations in the sections delicatessen, gourmet food, superfoods and more.
Gut and Digestive Health: Health begins in the intestines
More than half of consumers are interested in food and beverages that are rich in fibre. Between 2022 and 2024, the fibre with digestive benefits market increased by three percent annually, with the USA, the United Kingdom, and China as the top markets. Food Supplements (47 percent of the new introductions) and Products for Babies and toddlers (26 percent) are particularly well-represented.
Halal: Growing market with high innovative power
The demand for halal products is increasing worldwide. Over the past five years, the segment has recorded an annual growth rate of 8 percent. The halal segment is proving particularly dynamic in the sections Bakery Products (15 percent), Sauces and Spices (13 percent) and Snacks (11 percent).
Anuga Fine Food picked up on this theme and presented several halal-certified products. It offers a platform for manufacturers reacting to the growing demand and presenting innovative solutions in this section.
Clean Label: Transparency as a buying criterion
Consumers are increasingly opting for products without artificial additives. Particularly high clean label shares are found in the categories Sauces and spices (13 percent), Bakery Products (10 percent), and Snacks (9 percent).
As an international trading and marketplace of the global F&B industry, Anuga 2025 offers a unique platform for the most important food industry developments. Companies can gain valuable insights into forward-looking trends and experience the latest innovations live.
