The most important information at a glance
- Save the Date: 9 to 13 October 2027
- Opening hours for visitors: Saturday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Anuga takes place every two years
- 10 trade shows
- Around 140,000 visitors and over 7,500 exhibitors
The Rest is History – The History of Anuga
The five letters ANUGA stand for “Allgemeine Nahrungs- und Genussmittel-Ausstellung” (General Food and Beverage Exhibition), and the origins of the “No.1 for Food & Beverage Business” date back to 1919. Originally launched in Stuttgart, the trade fair moved to Cologne in 1924, where it has been based ever since. What began as a small exhibition developed over the years into the world’s largest and most important trade fair for the food and beverage industry.
The concept of a multifunctional platform with various sub-fairs for different sectors of the food industry was a novelty and proved to be a resounding success. An important key factor was the year 1951, when Anuga was organised as an “industry trade fair” for the first time. Today, it is divided into ten specialised trade shows covering the entire spectrum of the food industry – from beverages and meat to organic foods.
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Why a Visit to the Anuga Trade Fair Is Worthwhile
Innovation meets tradition – that is the motto that defines Anuga. The trade fair is not only a place where existing business relationships are maintained and strengthened, but above all a platform where innovations in food technology, new product trends and creative concepts are presented. Here, start-ups and global players come together to shape the future of food.
Another highlight is the opportunity for global networking. Buyers from more than 180 countries travel to Cologne to get an overview of new products and establish direct contacts with manufacturers. Every two years, Anuga thus becomes an international marketplace that is invaluable for large companies and smaller suppliers alike.
The 10 Trade Shows of Anuga
Anyone who takes a closer look at the Anuga trade fair will come across a unique success story. One secret recipe behind its impressive growth: the division of Anuga into ten trade shows makes it easy for visitors to focus specifically on the subject areas relevant to them. Each of these sub-fairs represents a specific aspect of the food industry.
Anuga Fine Food
Anuga Fine Food represents the best from the world of fine foods, gourmet products and staple foods. It serves as the most important hub for manufacturers, buyers and professionals in the food industry. Here, exclusive delicacies meet everyday foods, offering an unparalleled platform for business deals, innovation and networking. At Anuga Fine Food, trade visitors gain comprehensive insights into the latest trends and developments
Anuga Drinks
Everything to do with non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages – the Anuga trade fair sheds light on the entire range of this diverse segment. Visitors can discover not only classic products such as soft drinks, juices, beers and wines, but also innovative creations that meet changing consumer needs. Non-alcoholic alternatives to beer and spirits are particularly on trend at the moment, impressing with sophisticated flavour profiles and supporting a healthier lifestyle.
Anuga Meat
A platform for the meat industry – from fresh meat to meat alternatives. Are you curious about the latest developments and trends in meat, sausage, game and poultry? This platform showcases the industry’s latest innovations and product launches that are significantly shaping the market.
Anuga Frozen Food
Frozen products in all their varieties – from fish to pizza – offer far more than just convenience these days. The Anuga trade fair presents the comprehensive spectrum of modern frozen food, covering not only traditional favourites such as fish, meat and pizza, but also new, innovative product categories. These include healthy plant-based frozen meals, gluten-free options, exotic snacks and sustainable products that meet growing consumer demands for quality, taste and environmental compatibility.
Anuga Dairy
Anuga Dairy presents the entire range of dairy products as well as innovative new developments, from classic products such as cheese, yoghurt and butter to plant-based alternatives. Exhibitors showcase their latest creations, while visitors have the opportunity to experience the variety and high quality of the products up close. Sustainability and health benefits play a central role, making the trade show particularly interesting for companies looking for forward-looking and responsible solutions in the food industry.
Anuga Bread & Bakery
Bread, baked goods and fine bakery products, along with related products, form an essential part of global food culture and are a key focus topic at the Anuga trade fair. From traditional bread varieties to modern interpretations incorporating regional or even international influences, the variety is almost impossible to take in. Here, classic craftsmanship meets innovative technologies that not only make production more efficient but also offer new taste experiences.
Anuga Hot Beverages
Anuga Hot Beverages offers an inspiring mix of talks, tastings and networking events that dives deep into the multifaceted world of hot beverages and provides pioneering impetus for the industry. Hot beverages are an integral part of daily enjoyment all over the world. Consumers are increasingly making conscious choices in favour of natural, high-quality ingredients.
Anuga Organic
As part of Anuga, Anuga Organic offers a wide-ranging selection of organic products from all over the world, with a clear focus on international markets. The trade show presents products that are both tailored to regional tastes and interesting for the global export market. From regional delicacies and fairly traded products to vegan foods – Anuga Organic brings together the current trends driving the organic sector, creating a stage for sustainable and future-oriented foods.
Anuga Chilled & Fresh Food
Fresh products, salads and fine foods. Anuga Chilled & Fresh Food stands for the latest trends in fresh out-of-home foods and creative convenience products. Here you can experience first-hand what is currently in demand and discover innovative, market-ready products with the potential to conquer the retail shelves. Be right at the forefront and let yourself be inspired by fresh ideas that win over today’s consumers.
Anuga Alternatives
The new segment replaces the previous “Anuga Out of Home” category and emphasises the growing relevance and diversity of plant-based alternatives. Instead of grouping manufacturers together in a separate category, they are now integrated into the thematically appropriate trade shows. This fosters more targeted connections between suppliers and potential partners and creates even more efficient opportunities for exchange.
Looking Back: The Highlights of Anuga 2025
With an impressive programme and a wide range of exhibitors, Anuga 2025 was once again an exceptional experience. The main focus was on sustainable nutrition, new technologies and pioneering foods. Our top highlights included:
- Sustainability in food production: The global challenge of making the food supply more sustainable was one of the major themes of Anuga 2025. From sustainable packaging to new approaches in agriculture – pioneering solutions were presented here.
- Plant-based innovations: Plant-based alternatives are booming. From meat substitute products to innovative plant-based drinks and snacks, there were numerous new products to discover.
- Technological progress: Digitalisation and automation have become indispensable in the food industry. Anuga 2025 showcased new technologies that make production processes more efficient and sustainable.
Anuga as a Platform for Start-ups
A particularly exciting part of Anuga is the start-up area. Here, young companies have the chance to present their innovative products to a global audience. This not only provides a platform for exchange, but also the opportunity to attract investors and forge valuable partnerships.
Exclusive start-up zones at the trade fair create a dynamic atmosphere that encourages creative exchange between established companies and new players. Topics such as alternative proteins, innovative snack products and digitalisation in the food chain are in particularly high demand.
Planning Your Trade Fair Visit: Practical Tips and Information
A visit to Anuga can be overwhelming – over 7,500 exhibitors across more than 280,000 square metres of exhibition space offer a wealth of information and inspiration. To help you get the most out of your trade fair visit, we have put together some practical tips for you:
- Planning is everything: Use Anuga’s online trade fair planner to find out about exhibitors in advance and arrange appointments.
- Book accommodation early: Demand for hotels in Cologne is enormous during Anuga. Reserve early to secure centrally located accommodation.
- Comfortable shoes are an absolute must: The halls of Messe Köln are huge, and there is a lot of walking involved. Comfortable shoes are therefore a must.
- Make the most of networking: Take part in the numerous networking events and attend the various talks and presentations to make valuable contacts.
Anuga as a Global Trendsetter
Anuga is known for setting trends. From the rapid development of plant-based foods and sustainable packaging solutions to new culinary concepts – many developments that were presented at Anuga now shape the global food industry. There is a clear trend towards more sustainability, health and individuality in the field of nutrition.
Although the major food corporations are strongly represented, it is also clear that small and medium-sized companies are playing an increasingly important role. Consumers are demanding more transparency, regionality and high-quality products, which means that smaller manufacturers and producers are also finding a bigger platform at Anuga.
Our Conclusion
The Anuga trade fair is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most influential trade fairs in the food industry. This is where innovation meets tradition, and where trends are set that have a lasting impact on the sector. Whether as a trade visitor, an exhibitor or simply an interested observer – a visit to Anuga is definitely a worthwhile experience that offers valuable insights into the future of the food world.
