Sustainable Growth is the key theme of Anuga 2023

The Anuga community has decided: Sustainable Growth is the key theme of Anuga 2023! In the scope of a digital communication campaign the community was able to vote and share in the excitement.

The emphasis lies on different issues, such as for instance how the area of tension between economic growth and sustainability can be conciliated in the food section, which facets sustainable growth offers and which solutions and approaches are globally possible. By addressing "Sustainable Growth" Anuga is also placing the focus on the commitment and the solutions of the industry with regards to environmental and climate-related aspects. These and other topics are not only covered in the 10 trade shows, they will particularly be discussed in the scope of Anuga's event and congress programme.

The worldwide food industry is facing major challenges: With a growing population of around 10 billion people by 2050, there is also rising demand for foodstuffs, particularly for protein. At the same time, the threat of global climate change, water and energy shortages and the loss of biological diversity are putting pressure on the agriculture and food industry. Economic and humanitarian effects, such as disrupted supply chains as a result of the Ukrainian/Russian conflict as well as increasing energy and food costs are aggravating the situation further. The need for product innovations and solutions that will sustainably improve the worldwide food system, is greater than ever.

Thanks to new partners such as EIT Food, Europe's leading initiative for food innovations, the most important issues of the industry will be addressed and innovations presented and discussed in the scope of conferences, workshops, experience areas and speaker sessions. The emphasis will be on themes like the realisation of sustainable development goals (SDGs), the transparency and traceability of supply chains and products, more climate-friendly production, resource-saving raw material cultivation, food waste as well as ways towards a circular food system. Technological progress also plays an important role, because this is often a driver of innovative ideas and new products.

"We have won over a strong partner in UNIDO, which asserts itself for the global sustainable industrial development. Together with Anuga as an international platform of the food industry and its key theme this year "Sustainable Growth", we are creating a stage at the trade fair that places the focus on the topic food security as an essential basis for sustainable economic development. At the same time, in this context we offer our exhibitors the possibility to draw increased attention to their products and innovations to promote a sustainable food system. The perfect combination for an international audience with representatives from political, business and media circles. We are very much looking forward to the joint exchange," explained Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.

UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) is an agency of the United Nations that concentrates worldwide on the promotion of a sustainable industrial development. It was founded in 1966 and converted into a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate industrial development in 1985. Its headquarters are based in Vienna, Austria and it has liaison offices in Brussels, Geneva and New York. The 171 member states of UNIDO guide the organization through the political decision-making bodies.

Sustainable Growth refers to ecological and economic growth, which can be maintained permanently without limiting natural resources and endangering future generations. Environmental and social resources are to be utilised sustainably, an ecological balance found and responsibility is to be taken vis-à-vis society and future generations.