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Anuga 2025 writes history and breaks records
Diversity and global reach
Under the motto "Sustainable Growth", Anuga 2025 stood for sustainable growth and global responsibility. 94 percent of the exhibitors and 80 percent of the visitors came from abroad – clear proof of the trade fair's international appeal. The partner country South Korea was a special crowd-puller. Around 100 exhibitors brought the diversity of Korean cuisine to Cologne – from kimchi and spicy rice cakes, to vegan meat alternatives and functional snacks. K-food was representative for modern culinary art, which combines innovation, health-awareness and pop culture. At the same time, the presence reflected the strategic strength of Korea: Targeted export promotion, clear brand identity and a cuisine that is both authentic and modern. Anuga 2025 made it clear that cultural influences can be decisive for market success today.
Anuga Organic Supermarket: Tangible organic trends
Full of inspiration und new products - Anuga Organic Supermarket
The Anuga Organic Supermarket in Hall 5.1 was a further highlight. The special area, designed to look like a modern organic supermarket, demonstrated how closely together the future and everyday life are entwined today. International brands and start-ups presented their latest organic products between wooden shelves and plants – from functional beverages to plant-based convenience meals.
Products with a wow factor
The products presented included for example:
• "Liquid Herbs" by Northern Greens from Denmark – herbs like basil, chilli or ginger in liquid form that can be used as natural seasoning alternatives
• "Madame Butterfly Organic Spicy Dhal", a high-protein, plant-based ready-made meal in a cup
• "Nordic Clarity Grain Stocks", gluten-free stock made of grain as a base for sauces and soups
Trend radar for the organic segment
Segmented into theme worlds like Alternatives, Convenience and Fruit, the Organic Supermarket underlined the breadth of organic innovations nowadays: from herbal essentials and ready-made meals, to fresh products. The concept not only served as a product show, but also as a trend radar for the organic market, presenting sustainable packaging, clear labelling and innovative recipes in a realistic retail environment.
For example, the area shows where the organic segment is headed – advancing from a niche segment into an integral part of everyday life.
Spotlight on innovation: The Anuga taste Innovation Show
Hotspot for trends und innovative ideas - Anuga taste Innovation Show
The Anuga taste Innovation Show, which recognised the most creative products and food concepts of the year, was also a highlight of the trade fair in 2025. 62 innovations from over 1,900 entries were distinguished – a record that demonstrates the industry's strong innovative drive.
The highlights of the show
• "Poached Neggst" by Neggst Foods, the first plant-based, poached egg in the world
• "100 % Apricot Seed Butter" by Kern Tec, a sustainable spread made from roasted apricot kernels
• "Nobela Kefir Coconut" by Ecolife Food as a fermented, vegan alternative to milk kefir
• "Alcoholic Popping Boba" from Taiwan – pearls filled with gin, rum or vodka that transform the beverage into an experience
• "SideKick! Pumpkin Protein Cubes“, 100% plant-based pumpkin cubes that turn as crispy as bacon
Creativity as a key factor in the food sector
The diversity of the award-winning products reflects where the industry is headed: More functionality, more naturalness, more fun in sampling unconventional foods. The Anuga taste Innovation Show made it tangible that sustainability, technology and lifestyle have long since been entwined – and that creativity is increasingly becoming a key factor in the food sector.
Anuga HORIZON Stage: Feel the future
In focus: talkings and new perspectives for alternative solutions.
The Anuga HORIZON Stage, the think tank of the trade fair for creative minds and innovators, showcased how technology, research and food are converging. Representatives from start-ups and international brands discussed the next stage of evolution in the food industry across four key theme areas - AI & Deep Tech, Circularity & Regeneration, Health & Functional Food as well as Future Food & Innovation.
New processes and business models
The focus was on AI-supported production processes, digital supply chains, precise nutrient analyses and new business models between research and food tech. Lectures on predictive analytics in product development, on "Fermentation as a Service" and regenerative value chains were particularly popular. The theme of Functional Food also dominated many sessions: How can food promote health in a targeted manner - from protein snacks and adaptogenic beverages, through to brain food categories? At the same time, circular economy concepts and carbon balancing moved more into focus.
Innovation and practical inspiration
The Anuga HORIZON Stage combined scientific profundity with practical inspiration – a meeting point for visionaries who understand food to be an interdisciplinary field. It became clear here: Innovation is no longer just a buzzword, but the foundation of an holistic systemic change.
Sustainability and networks under focus
It became evident at Anuga this year again too: Sustainability is not a trend, but indeed the fundamental principle. Many companies presented concepts for CO₂ neutral production, water reduction and traceability. At the same time, it became clear how important networks are for innovation: Chain stores, start-ups and manufacturers used the trade fair to initiate cooperations and develop joint solutions. The success of Anuga is not only measured in figures, but above all in its position as a driving force for new business models and a responsible food culture.
Conclusion: A trade fair that is writing history
The food industry is currently undergoing a phase of profound change and Cologne is its most important hub. The strong international presence, the high number of innovations and the quality of the exhibitions at Anuga 2025 demonstrated this impressively. A forward-looking approach and sustainability were omnipresent, whether in the Organic Supermarket, on the Anuga HORIZON Stage or at the Anuga taste Innovation Show. Overall, this year's trade fair sent out the strong message this is where the future of food is being actively shaped.
