Anuga — one of the largest and most influential trade forums in the food & beverage sector, held at the Koelnmesse exhibition center, Cologne, Germany.

This event brings together manufacturers, retailers, chefs, investors, and specialists in ingredients, packaging, sustainability, and innovation.

Who should attend:

• Food and beverage manufacturers looking to showcase new products to a broad international audience.
• Buyers, distributors, and retailers seeking import-export partners and new product lines.
• Food industry leaders: chefs, technologists, sustainability experts, and proponents of “future food.”
• Startups, particularly in plant-based, alternative proteins, organic products, packaging innovations, and logistics.

Video about the Anuga exhibition

History of Anuga: From its origins to global leadership

The first Anuga (Allgemeine Nahrungs- und Genussmittel Ausstellung) was organized in 1919 in Stuttgart as a national fair for delicacy producers.

Since 1924, the exhibition has been firmly established in Cologne, evolving into a biennial event covering dozens of food industry segments.

Key milestones:

• Post-war revival in 1951 — over 1,200 participants from 34 countries.
• Introduction of the “10 specialized trade shows under one roof” concept in the early 2000s for better structure and coverage of all key industry segments.
• Gradual emphasis on sustainability, alternative proteins, organic products, packaging innovations, and food technologies.

Advantages of Anuga over other industry exhibitions

• Largest scale: approximately 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries and around 290,000 m² of exhibition space.
• Over 140,000 professional visitors from nearly 200 countries. International reach — over 90% of exhibitors and visitors are global.
• Comprehensive industry coverage: 10 specialized sectors (bakery, frozen foods, beverages, organic, alternative proteins, etc.), providing exhibitors and visitors with a market, trend, and technology overview.
• High-quality connections: key industry figures — buyers, retail chains, HoReCa supply chains, researchers, and technologists — attend for new solutions and business partnerships.
• Innovation focus: Anuga Alternatives (new section for alternative proteins), HORIZON Stage, startup zones, taste Innovation Show, and more.
• Convenience and structure — themed halls, clear layout, and category segmentation save time and enhance visit efficiency.

Notable participating companies at Anuga and their highlights

• Beyond Meat EU B.V. — a leading producer of plant-based alternative proteins. At Anuga Alternatives, they will showcase new products and feature prominently in the alternative protein concept.
• Oatly Deutschland GmbH — a Swedish brand focused on oat-based milk alternatives and dairy-free products. A new product premiere is expected at Anuga.
• The New Originals Company GmbH (brand Omami) — a European player in the plant-based food sector, driving innovation in vegan products and meat alternatives.
• Tofutown Lüneburger Heide GmbH — a producer of plant-based and vegetarian products with a focus on quality and sustainability.
• SunflowerFamily GmbH — a brand presenting sunflower mince and other sunflower-based protein products with organic certifications.
• Pacifico Biolabs GmbH — a company working with mycelium, showcasing “Viando chicken” as an alternative to chicken meat in texture and nutrition.

Recommendations for Anuga visitors

• Plan your route through the exhibition halls in advance: review the Koelnmesse hall plan and mark the zones of interest (Fine Food, Alternatives, Dairy, Drinks, etc.).
• Book accommodation and transportation early — Cologne can be crowded during the exhibition, especially with the Cologne Marathon coinciding with the event’s start.
• Bring business cards, digital catalogs, and product materials — many contacts and deals happen on the spot at the booth.
• Attend special events: masterclasses, HORIZON Stage, taste Innovation Show, and startup zones — these often spark ideas that become industry trends.
• Pay attention to Anuga Alternatives as a new section — a great opportunity to explore alternative proteins, plant-based, microbial-source products, and more.
• Use Koelnmesse services: translation, catalogs, convenient apps, rest and dining areas, and roundtable discussions.

Categories of products and services presented by exhibitors

• Plant-based and alternative proteins (plant-based, microbial, fungal, in vitro).
• Organic products, “free-from” (gluten-free, lactose-free), and healthy eating.
• Dairy products, cheeses, and dairy alternatives.
• Frozen products, ice cream, chilled, and fresh delicatessen.
• Beverages — alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hot, cold, and coffee innovations.
• Bakery products, bread, pastries, sweet and savory grocery items.
• Packaging, logistics, food technology, labeling, equipment, and ingredient services.
• Sustainable solutions: eco-friendly packaging, supply chains, circular economy, and food waste reduction.

What it takes to participate as an exhibitor at Anuga — your successful booth with a professional

If you want to participate at Anuga as an exhibiting company, you will need:

• Registration through the official Koelnmesse/Anuga website, completing application forms, and selecting the product/category you will exhibit.
• Choosing the size and location of the booth, coordinating zoning based on thematic halls.
• Preparing products and marketing materials, logistics, and certification (if required) per EU and food safety regulations.
• Participating in side activities — presentations, seminars, tastings, and special tours.
• Working with a professional exhibition booth builder to make your booth a standout brand showcase. For example, EURO STAND BUILDERS — a professional exhibition booth builder in Europe — can assist with building or renting a booth, offering full services: design, setup, dismantling, logistics, and on-site support, tailored to your brand and budget.

If you aim to secure a spot early, do so as soon as possible — prime locations are booked quickly, especially in popular sections like Anuga Alternatives, Fine Food, and Drinks.

Anuga is more than just an exhibition. It’s an event where food industry trends are shaped, partnerships are forged, and solutions that transform the market are born. Attending or exhibiting is an opportunity to make a global statement, get inspired, see what will become the norm tomorrow, and take your business to the next level.