Anuga 2025 preview: Clean label, K-food & alt-proteins in the spotlight

Anuga 2025 is returning to Cologne, Germany (October 4–8), gathering over 8,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries to showcase the latest innovations shaping the global F&B industry. The spotlight will be on the “food of tomorrow,” encompassing environmental sustainability, alternative proteins, health and wellness, and digital transformation across its ten trade show halls.

While the top theme is “Sustainable Growth,” this year also marks the debut of “Anuga Alternatives,” a new platform dedicated to the thriving alternative protein sector, such as plant, insect, algae, fungal proteins, and cell-cultivated meat.

“Anuga 2025 makes it clear how much innovative spirit, responsibility, and global collaboration drive the industry,” says Bastian Mingers, VP of Trade Fair Management Food & Food Technology of Koelnmesse, Anuga’s organizer.

“This is where the trends become visible, future themes tangible, and solutions for the challenges of our time are discussed.”

The show will also explore F&B industry trends through the “Anuga Trend Zone,” where Anuga’s knowledge partner Innova Market Insights will present exclusive consumer and market forecasts.

South Korea is Anuga’s partner country this year, and the event will feature K-food trends and products, along with culinary tastings and networking opportunities.

Sustainability and clean label demands

At the Anuga Trend Zone, Innova Market Insights will unpack the drivers shaping tomorrow’s F&B landscape. From global consumer trend forecasts to deep dives on plant-based, clean label, and health and wellness, these sessions will shed light on insightful, research findings on the latest industry developments.

The Anuga Alternatives platform will showcase alt-proteins derived from insects, mushrooms, and algae.Lu Ann Williams, global SVP Research at Innova Market Insights, will discuss the firm’s Global Consumer Trends for 2026, exploring opportunities in F&B for product development, marketing, and innovation.

Meanwhile, market analyst Solene Limongi, senior market analyst Alfonso Vargas, and market insights consultant Steven Thomissen will offer insights into consumer behavior and attitudes toward sustainability. 

There will also be a session on the plant-based trend to uncover how it is shifting from simple substitutes to innovative whole plant ingredients, as consumers reject unhealthy additives in preference for clean label and transparency.

“Anuga Alternatives”: Spotlight on new proteins

Innova Market Insights data indicates that global alternative protein launches continue to grow each year, with a 10% CAGR for total alternative proteins from 2020 to 2024. Cultured and microbial-based proteins show a 15% CAGR over the same period, while plant-based protein innovations still dominate NPD.

Nearly one in four consumers say they are meat reducers or flexitarians, and one in five do not consume any meat at all.

This shift away from animal-based foods will highlight the Anuga Alternatives platform, which will present products made from plant-based protein, insect protein, algae protein, mushroom-based protein, and cell-cultivated meat.

Innova Market Insights has found that 30% of global consumers cite a lack of taste or flavor as a negative characteristic they associate with plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan foods. But, at the same time, the global market researcher says there is low product launch activity across flavor categories in these markets.

Propelling taste innovation

Anuga 2025 will also showcase forums, competitions, and various special events advancing F&B innovation.

Anuga 2025 will include talk sessions and networking opportunities for F&B professionals to share insights on the future of food.The Anuga Taste Innovation Show will act as a “trend barometer” for the global food business and showcase the top ten of the 62 winning products selected by a panel of trade journalists, nutrition experts, scientists, and market researchers.

These products include Kern Tec (Austria) with 100% apricot kernel butter, AlgMighty (Netherlands) with AlgMighty Emulsifier & Binder, F W Inter Trading (Thailand) with Coconut Water Noodles, And Ice (Greece) with Hotly Vegan Hot Beverage, and Meatless (Netherlands) with Meatless Hybrid Fish.

New networking formats

Networking formats such as “Hot Take Debates,” which tackle questions like “Should doctors prescribe food before medicines?” and “Is there more wisdom in traditional food knowledge than in modern nutrition science?” will discuss the future of food and health.

Meanwhile, “Truth or Drink” sessions will involve participants discussing “breakthrough moments” in their field, slow systems, funding pressure, and working with farmers and tech teams. Guests can choose to answer honestly or take a sip of a strong fermented drink.

Participants will include indoor farming firm Babylon Micro-Farms CEO Marc Oshima, mycoprotein start-up Kynda Biotech COO Franziskus Schnabel, Neggst Foods CEO Dr. Veronica García Arteaga, and Cultimate Foods CEO Eugenia Sagué.

Programs including special events like the Anuga Organic Supermarket and the Anuga Halal & Kosher Market will also take place during the five day event.