Anuga 2023: Focus on sustainable growth through F&B innovations

21 Sep 2023 --- The global trade fair will highlight food innovations and industry’s intrinsic link to the environment and climate through the theme “Sustainable Growth” which will come into sharpened focus in Cologne (Oct 7-11). 

The trade show organizers highlight that sustainable growth refers to ecological and economic development, which can be maintained permanently without limiting natural resources and endangering future generations.

They urge the food industry to use environmental and social resources sustainably, find an ecological balance and take responsibility for society and future generations. 

Speaking on Anuga’s theme for this year, Jan Philip Hartmann, Anuga’s director, tells Food Ingredients First, “Before Anuga starts, we started a webinar series together with our partner Innova Market Insights that covers topics along our leading theme.” 

“During Anuga, we work with new partners and – through conferences, workshops, experience areas and speaker sessions – address the key concerns of the industry and to present and discuss innovations.”

UNIDO will organize discussions on global food security and new regulations’ impact on strategic supply chains. “Topics such as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), transparency and traceability of supply chains and products, more climate-friendly production, resource-conserving raw material cultivation, food waste and ways toward a circular food system are in the foreground,” Hartmann adds.

Spotlight on technology
The trade show will also highlight technological progress as a driver of innovation and product development. 

The organizers state that challenges for the global food industry, such as the world’s growing population, threats of climate change, water and energy shortages and biodiversity loss, warrant a crucial need for product innovations and solutions. 

Special events at the trade show, such as the “Meet more Meatless and Dairy Alternatives,” allow food manufacturers to demonstrate how their product ranges contribute to a sustainable economy, for example, through implementing regional, purely vegetable-based ingredients or alternative proteins and resource-saving production processes.

“Our new format, Anuga Horizon, which we integrated into this year’s Anuga, will contribute to ‘Sustainable Growth’ by cultivating change in food innovation,” Hartmann explains. “Of course, there are plenty of other events such as Anuga Organic on Stage or the Anuga Taste Innovation Show, where we present products and solutions that give proof to a more sustainable future of food. 

Tackling global challenges  
This year’s trade show also marks the first cooperation with UNIDO, which will organize two side events on combating hunger and transforming food supply chains. At these events, experts will exchange knowledge and ideas to strive for sufficient global food security and discuss the impact of new regulations on strategic supply chains. 

“The international exchange is of particular importance in our global world. There is a good chance that new approaches and solutions will be found at a leading global trade fair like Anuga. UNIDO, the UN Organization for Industrial Development, relies on innovation and cooperation, particularly for creating a world without hunger,” stresses Gerd Müller, director general at UNIDO.Innova Market Insights highlights that consumers want companies to improve waste management. 

“The key challenge of the future will be promoting economic growth and sustainable development and at the same time making sure that the necessary natural resources are still available,” adds Jan Philipp Hartmann, director of Anuga. 

He adds that disruptive change influences the global market and requires exchanging ideas and solutions to find new approaches for a sustainable food system. 

Similarly, the related trade show Anuga FoodTec, taking place in March 2024, will focus on a central theme of “Responsibility.” The fair organizers note that the food industry faces current and future challenges, acknowledging its responsibility. 

Anuga FoodTec will focus on how the industry must orient future food production to create sustainable change and guarantee global supply security. 

Limit food waste 
Anuga organizers will also discuss tackling food waste at the fair as part of its sustainability focus. They note that innovative technologies are essential to reduce food waste and require joint efforts. 

“We would like to support companies in presenting their latest technologies and strategies that combat food waste at Anuga and in the scope of the Anuga Horizon Summit,” shares Hartmann. “This enables a productive exchange between the participants and allows them to establish new partnerships and exploit synergies.” 

“Together, we can address the industry’s global challenges and, true to this year’s key topic, find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth. Because the most sustainable and most effective solution for creating a world without hunger is without doubt decisively stopping food wastage.” 

EIT Food calls for a growing role for start-ups in the agri-food sector.Innova Market Insights’ data suggests that over one in four consumers surveyed in 2023 want environmental considerations to be part of future NPD, while 46% claim they minimized food waste in the last year. 

The market researcher further suggests that 29% of surveyed consumers want companies to improve waste management and reduce waste in manufacturing. The company further highlights the potential of upcycling waste streams into food products and ingredients as consumers show increased interest. 

According to Innova Market Insights, the EU Commission’s recent announcement to set legally binding food waste reduction targets should lead to a 10% decrease in food waste from processing and manufacturing and a 30% decrease in restaurants, foodservice and households. 

Fostering innovation 
Anuga has also partnered with EIT Food – the initiative for food innovations – to promote exchanges on innovation and new sustainable developments in the food industry. The organization notes that although innovation in the agri-food sector is worth over €200 billion (US$214 billion) in Europe, less than 4% of all start-ups innovate in this sector.

EIT Food calls for a targeted and collaborative sector-wide approach to accelerate this figure and feed a growing population. To that end, it has developed a conference program at the trade show to help boost innovations in the food sector. 

“At EIT Food, we strongly believe in the transformative potential of young companies. We look forward to supporting start-ups with quick access to agri-food businesses,” says Dr. Georg Schirrmacher, director of the region west of EIT Food. 

“Especially in the cooperation between innovative start-ups and established companies as well as with the networking of all actors that focus on transformation in the food sector, we see a key to positive change and overcoming current challenges in the agri-food industry.” 

By Jolanda van Hal