Anuga 2025 is preparing to open its doors as the largest edition in the trade fair’s history, with around 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries filling 290,000 square meters of exhibition space in Cologne.
From October 4 to 8, the event is expected to draw more than 140,000 trade visitors from nearly 200 countries, reinforcing its position as the world’s most international gathering for the food industry. Roughly 94 percent of attendees are projected to come from abroad.
The fair’s strongest national showings will come from Italy, Spain, China, Germany, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the US. In total, 174 country group stands from 78 nations will be represented, with the largest pavilions—spanning as much as 6,000 square meters each—coming from Istanbul, China, Italy, Spain and the US.
“Anuga is far more than just a trade fair – it is a marketplace, a source of inspiration and a pacesetter for the global food industry,” said Gerald Böse, president and chief executive of Koelnmesse GmbH, which organizes the event. “The leading minds of the industry meet up to present innovations and discuss tomorrow’s trends in Cologne. As such, the future of food becomes visible here – and at the same time negotiable.”
This year, a revised hall structure is designed to bring related segments closer together. A newly created Anuga Alternatives section, focused on plant-based and cell-cultivated products, will be housed in Hall 1 with direct access to Anuga Fine Food. Anuga Meat, one of the fair’s largest categories, will be consolidated in Halls 6, 7 and 9.
Innovation remains a focal point. The Anuga Trend Zone will highlight current market data, while the Anuga Taste Innovation Show will showcase standout products from exhibitors. More than 100 start-ups will present in the Boulevard of Innovations, a designated space for emerging ideas and investment opportunities.
The congress program includes the Halal Forum, organized with the Islamic Chamber for Halal Services; the Anuga Horizon Stage, which will host discussions on artificial intelligence, the circular economy and sustainability; and the International Frozen Food Conference, coinciding with celebrations marking 70 years of frozen food in Germany. A forum organized with DEHOGA will address developments in the out-of-home food service sector.
Korea will serve as partner country for 2025 under the banner “Flavour meets Trends.” More than 100 Korean exhibitors will highlight both traditional products, such as kimchi, soy sauces and gochujang, and modern technologies including alternative proteins, smart farming and digital supply chain solutions. The presence will be supported by cultural programming, cooking demonstrations and political delegations. “With Korea as our partner country, we have won over a food nation that connects tradition and high tech like no other,” Böse said.
The fair is also expected to attract political leaders. Confirmed guests include Germany’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Domestic Affairs, Alois Rainer, and Korea’s Minister for Agriculture, Nutrition and Rural Affairs, Miryung Song, along with ambassadors from the US, Brazil, Italy and Greece.
Beyond Cologne, Anuga’s network continues to expand, with nine satellite events staged in markets including Brazil, China, India, Japan, Thailand, Italy and Spain. Combined, the global portfolio now draws around 16,000 exhibitors and 400,000 visitors annually.
Find out more at: https://www.anuga.com/