The Anuga taste Innovation Show – the central showcase for the most important new products. It serves as a trend barometer and source of inspiration for the global food business. An international jury comprising of trade journalists, nutrition experts, scientists and market researchers selected 62 outstanding innovations from over 1,900 submissions, which all impress with their idea, sustainability, market potential and creative implementation. In total, 608 companies from 53 countries took part in the Anuga taste Innovation Show. The most products submitted came from Italy, Germany, Greece, France and Spain.

Together with the knowledge partner Innova Market Insights the key developments that will shape the food of tomorrow were identified: Trend 1: Plant-based diversity beyond substitute products. From fermented cashew camembert to vegan tuna alternatives, through to innovative egg substitutes – vegetarian food is establishing itself as an independent world of culinary enjoyment.

Trend 2: Personalised diets – health and functionality in everyday life. Functional food has long since become part of everyday life: from probiotic drinks and protein bread to adaptogenic mushroom drinks that reduce stress and promote concentration. Trend 3: Clean label – transparency, regionality and responsibility. QR codes on packaging enable traceability from the field to the shelf. Upcycling concepts like bread spread made from bakery products from Cologne show how the circular economy works.

Trend 4: Enjoyment remains to be the top priority. Taste and innovation go hand in hand: from French patisserie in frozen quality through to cold brew variations with tonka beans or yuzu. Trend 5: Sustainability as a prerequisite. Sustainability is no longer an added benefit, it is the standard. The focus is on raw materials like broad beans, lupin coffee or carob cocoa alternatives. Trend 6: Private labels as innovation drivers. Over 3,500 own brands demonstrate how retailers combine quality, sustainability and differentiation – with growing opportunities on international markets.

Of the 62 winning products, ten were distinguished as being especially pioneering: Kern Tec from Austria with 100% apricot kernel butter. airup GmbH from Germany with air up® Liquid Rainbow Variety Pack. AlgMighty from the Netherlands with AlgMighty Emulsifier & Binder. F W Inter Trading CO., Ltd. from Thailand with Coconut Water Noodle. Panfruit Ukraine from the Ukraine with Crunchy IceCream – Blueberries & Blackberries. And Ice P.C. from Greece with Hotly – Vegan Hot Beverage. YÖMilch/DBG Deutsches Biogeschäft GmbH from Germany with Collagen Yoghurt with Blueberries. Meatless B.V. from the Netherlands with Meatless Hybrid Fish. wunderfish GmbH from Germany with OH-MAMI. Neggst Foods GmbH from Germany with Poached Neggst. This selection underlines the dynamics of the new trade show Anuga Alternatives, the focus of which lies on alternative sources of protein.

Anuga is more than just a trade fair: It is a platform, stage and marketplace for the transformation of the food industry. An inspiring programme comprising of special events like the Anuga Organic Supermarket, the Anuga Halal & Kosher Market as well as the new Anuga HORIZON Stage awaits the visitors.

"Anuga 2025 makes it clear how much innovative spirit, responsibility and global collaboration drives the industry. This is where the trends become visible, future themes tangible and solutions for the challenges of our time are discussed," commented Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management Food & Food Technology of Koelnmesse GmbH. All award-winning products will be presented in the Anuga taste Innovation Show on Boulevard North from Saturday onwards.