The world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages, Anuga, shattered previous attendance and exhibitor records at its 2025 edition in Cologne.
From October 4 to 8, more than 8,000 companies representing 110 countries showcased their products and innovations, drawing over 145,000 trade visitors from more than 190 nations. The turnout reaffirmed Anuga’s role as the central meeting point for the global food industry.
Participation from across Europe was especially strong, with notable representation from the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Outside Europe, significant delegations arrived from Brazil, China, Japan, Canada, and the United States. With 94 percent of exhibitors and 80 percent of visitors coming from abroad, the event underscored its status as a truly international marketplace for food and beverages.
The fair’s significance was further highlighted by the presence of key political figures, including Alois Rainer, Germany’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, and Miryung Song, South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Their attendance reflected the political and economic weight the fair carries within the global food sector.
“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. 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,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Björn Fromm, President of the German Association of the Retail Grocery Trade (BVLH), emphasized the fair’s global importance, noting, “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.”
This year’s partner country, South Korea, brought a distinctive flavor to the fair under the theme “Flavor Meets Trends.” Roughly 100 exhibitors showcased the nation’s culinary diversity, from traditional staples like kimchi and gochujang to cutting-edge food tech solutions. Tastings, guided tours, and cultural presentations highlighted the country’s growing influence on global food culture.
“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.
Anuga 2025 also stood out for its forward-looking conference program. The new Anuga HORIZON Stage became a hub for discussions on sustainability, food technology, and alternative proteins. Experts such as Edwin Bark of Redefine Meat, Hector Freitas of LIVEKINDLY Collective, and Dr. Giuseppe Scionti of Novameat shared insights into how innovation is reshaping the future of food.
The Anuga Trend Zone, developed in cooperation with Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International, provided deep analysis of consumer behavior, sustainability initiatives, and plant-based and health-oriented product trends. Meanwhile, the Anuga Organic on Stage forum focused on organic and sustainable food production, featuring discussions on European Union goals such as achieving 30 percent organic farmland by 2030.
Exhibitors praised the quality and influence of attendees, many of whom were senior decision-makers. Nearly all of Germany’s top 20 food retailers attended, including Aldi Nord and Süd, Edeka Group, Lidl, Metro AG, and Rewe Group. International retail giants such as Aeon, Ahold Delhaize, Amazon, Carrefour, Costco, JD.com, Tesco, Walmart, and Woolworths were also in attendance, further demonstrating the event’s global reach.
Anuga’s growing international influence extends well beyond Cologne. The brand now includes satellite events in Milan, Brazil, China, India, Japan, and Thailand, with Madrid recently added as the newest location through Anuga Select Ibérica. Across these ten international platforms, Anuga continues to strengthen its position as a leading force in the global food trade.
The fair’s digital presence also continues to expand. Under the hashtag #weareAnuga, a worldwide community of industry professionals shared insights and inspiration, helping the event reach more than 3 million people — a 25 percent increase compared to 2023.
Anuga 2025 hosted 8,015 exhibitors from 110 countries across 300,000 square meters of exhibition space. Foreign exhibitors accounted for 94 percent of participants, while international visitors represented 80 percent of total attendance. Overall visitor numbers rose 3.6 percent compared with the previous edition.
The next Anuga is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 13, 2027.
Find out more at: https://www.anuga.com/