Anuga FoodTec 2024: Focus on responsibility


26 March 2024


The international supplier fair for the food and beverage industry presented new technologies and concepts for the sustainable use of natural resources along the entire value chain under the guiding theme of 'Responsibility'.

Around 1,300 exhibitors and almost 40,000 trade visitors from 133 countries came to Anuga FoodTec in Cologne this year.

Anuga FoodTec showed that core topics such as responsibility, value creation, climate neutrality and food security are shaping the direction of the food and beverage industry - far removed from short-lived trends, summarised the trade fair organiser. The machines on display offered insights into innovative strategies for minimising food losses and treating waste water, among other things. They also presented processes such as high-pressure processing, which keeps food fresh for longer without preservatives.

Another focus was on reducing the use of plastic and utilising alternative packaging materials. Advances in the production of plant-based foods were also presented, which serve as pioneering solutions for more sustainable diets.

"At this year's Anuga FoodTec, it became clear that true responsibility goes far beyond day-to-day business; it is the driving force behind sustainable and long-term growth. In every discussion, every presentation and every new product, we saw how crucial it is to make bold decisions today for our common future." - Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse

Opening speech from the Club of Rome

Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, opened Anuga FoodTec with an impressive speech that emphasised the pressing needs of sustainable development. Her keynote speech was closely aligned with the guiding theme of 'Responsibility' and the indispensable importance of environmentally friendly production processes. With her speech, Dixson-Declève gave a decisive impulse towards sustainable transformation.

The new 'Environment & Energy' exhibition area was an innovative focal point. This area was dedicated to the advanced energy solutions that are playing a growing role in the food industry. The focus was on technologies such as solar thermal energy, heat pumps, biogas and biomass, which not only contribute to the energy transition, but also help to significantly reduce companies' CO₂ emissions and comprehensively increase energy efficiency.

The next Anuga FoodTec will take place from 23 to 26 February 2027 in Cologne.

Source: Packaging-Journal