Anuga, the world’s largest international trade fair for the food and beverage sector, is poised to set the agenda for the global F&B industry in 2025.
In collaboration with its knowledge partner, Innova Market Insights, Anuga will spotlight the key trends that are shaping the future of food, from the rise of personalized nutrition and alternative proteins to the intensifying demand for sustainability and the growing prominence of private labels.
The upcoming edition of the fair, scheduled for 2025, is expected to serve not only as a barometer for emerging industry shifts but also as a catalyst for innovation across the food supply chain.
Among the core themes: the push for individualized food solutions, driven by consumers who are increasingly tailoring their diets to personal health goals and nutritional needs. Functional foods and nutrient-enriched products are on the rise, with more than one-third of global consumers now using such offerings to target specific health outcomes.
The weight management segment, in particular, has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 8% between 2022 and 2024, led by strong consumer adoption in the U.S., India, and the U.K., with Germany showing the fastest growth in Europe.
Sustainability, too, remains a dominant concern. Demand is surging for plant-based proteins such as fava beans, which have seen annual growth of 11% over the past two years. European markets are leading this shift, with Switzerland registering a notable 108% growth in fava-based products.
The industry is also innovating in response to the environmental pressures tied to traditional commodities like cocoa, coffee, and orange juice. Brands are experimenting with substitutes like carob, lupin-based coffee alternatives, and fermented fruit juices. These efforts align with changing consumer values: nearly half of all global consumers report they would reduce or eliminate products from their diet if they were found to be produced unsustainably.
Alternative protein sources are gaining traction, with microbial and cultivated proteins showing a 15% increase in demand between 2020 and 2024—outpacing the 5% growth seen in traditional plant-based proteins. These new protein formats are especially prominent in product categories such as meat substitutes, ready meals, and frozen desserts. Consumer openness to hybrid products—those combining conventional and alternative protein sources—is also on the rise, with two out of five surveyed expressing interest in trying them.
In recognition of these shifts, Anuga will launch Anuga Alternatives, a new trade show dedicated to protein innovation. The platform will showcase advances across a range of sources, including algae, mushrooms, insect protein, and cell-cultivated meat, reinforcing Anuga’s position at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
Meanwhile, the “snackification” trend continues to reshape consumer eating habits. Approximately half of global consumers enjoy at least one snack per day, favoring convenience and indulgence. Manufacturers are responding with smaller portion sizes and bold, inventive flavors to meet growing demand for both functionality and enjoyment.
Private labels are also gaining ground, particularly in Europe and North America. In 2023, nearly one-third of consumers reported a preference for store brands. Europe leads the charge, accounting for 62% of new product introductions in this category. Bakery items, meat and seafood, and ready meals represent the most active segments within private label innovation.
Premium products are attracting attention for their blend of exclusivity, ethical sourcing, and quality. Consumers are increasingly seeking items that align with health and sustainability values, with notable premium category launches in hot beverages, sauces and spices, and snacks.
Anuga Fine Food, the flagship trade show within the broader Anuga event, will once again serve as a hub for high-end food trends, including gourmet offerings, superfoods, and delicatessen products. It continues to be a key destination for both retail and foodservice professionals looking to explore the latest market innovations.
Health remains front and center for consumers, with dietary fiber gaining momentum. The market for fiber-enhanced products with digestive benefits grew at a rate of 3% annually from 2022 to 2024, with the US, UK, and China emerging as the strongest markets. Product categories such as food supplements and baby and toddler foods are particularly active in this space.
The market for halal-certified foods is also experiencing robust growth. With an 8% annual increase over the past five years, halal products are seeing heightened demand in bakery items, sauces and spices, and snacks. Anuga Fine Food will spotlight this trend by offering a platform for producers developing innovative solutions in the halal segment.
Clean label trends remain strong, as consumers seek transparency and natural ingredients. Categories such as sauces, baked goods, and snacks are leading the way in offering products free from artificial additives.
With its global reach and deep industry insight, Anuga 2025 is set to offer a comprehensive view of the innovations transforming the food and beverage landscape. From new product development to sustainable practices, the event will serve as a critical meeting point for companies seeking to capitalize on the evolving tastes and expectations of tomorrow’s consumers.
Find out more at: https://www.anuga.com/