IFFA 2025 Looks to the Future of Meat and Protein

IFFA 2025, the premier international trade fair for the meat and protein industry, is poised to address critical challenges and opportunities shaping the sector’s future.

From May 3 to 8, under the theme “Rethinking Meat and Proteins,” the event will showcase a comprehensive overview of the industry, spanning processing, packaging, innovative ingredients, and emerging point-of-sale trends. The exhibition space is already in high demand, with leading global players confirming their participation.

This year’s iteration promises to unite market participants from across the globe, offering a platform to explore cutting-edge technologies, machinery, and solutions. Messe Frankfurt anticipates nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries showcasing their innovations across 116,000 square meters in Halls 8, 9, 11, and 12. The event will host a mix of industry giants, niche specialists, and start-ups, with substantial representation from Europe, the United States, Brazil, and China.

A new hall layout will facilitate stronger connections between the various stages of the production process while highlighting advancements in technology. Among the innovations is the introduction of IFFA Worlds, five thematic segments designed to organize and enhance the trade fair experience. These include the World of Processing, World of Packaging, World of Ingredients, World of New Proteins, and World of Skills and Sales, each offering targeted insights into the industry’s evolving landscape.

IFFA’s global reach underscores its influence, with 71% of participants coming from outside Germany. Visitors are drawn from industries spanning protein processing, butchery, food service, catering, and supply chain sectors. Top visitor countries include the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, the United States, and Brazil.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, emphasized the event’s importance, stating: “Trade fairs bring industries together, and IFFA 2025 is sure to provide convincing evidence of this. The response from exhibitors has been impressive, and we are looking forward to seeing numerous innovations for the meat and protein industry. Companies will be showing solutions for farms of every size, all sources of protein, and every region of the world. Moreover, IFFA is a great opportunity for face-to-face discussions, networking, and acquiring new knowledge. In a nutshell, it is the industry event of the year.”

Global trade in meat-processing machinery has reached new heights, recording €2.7 billion in 2023. The VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association anticipates continued strong demand for high-performance machinery, which bodes well for IFFA 2025. However, the industry also faces significant hurdles, including fluctuating economic conditions, rising energy and raw material costs, and a shortage of skilled labor.

Richard Clemens, CEO of VDMA NuV, acknowledged these pressures but highlighted the event’s importance in navigating them: “IFFA is the world’s most important trade fair for manufacturers of process and packaging technology for meat and alternative proteins. It is clearly aligned with the demands of an ever-changing and growing market and gives experts from all over the world a chance to see the complete range of innovative technologies for implementing a multitude of product ideas.”

The event holds particular significance for the butchers’ trade, offering a venue for companies to explore automation and sustainability solutions while addressing workforce shortages. Herbert Dohrmann, President of the German Butchers’ Association, stressed the importance of investment in butchers and sales outlets, noting that “at the world’s leading trade fair for the meat industry, we not only find solutions to current challenges but also inspiration for innovative approaches to production and sales.”

Key Themes for 2025

The focus at IFFA 2025 will be on driving efficiency, leveraging data, achieving sustainability, and embracing diverse product offerings. Emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and sensors are expected to play pivotal roles in maximizing machine performance and enhancing productivity. Data will continue to revolutionize production processes, offering new opportunities for transparency and traceability while enabling consumer feedback to inform manufacturing decisions.

Sustainability remains a top priority, with exhibitors showcasing advancements in energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The fair will also spotlight innovations in protein production, from meat and plant-based options to fungi-derived alternatives, catering to the growing demand for diverse and sustainable food sources.

IFFA 2025 promises to be a crucial gathering for industry professionals, offering a platform for collaboration, exploration, and inspiration in shaping the future of the meat and protein sector.

Find out more at: https://iffa.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html