Anuga presents its new trade show, Anuga Alternatives

Anuga has announced its new trade show, Anuga Alternatives. The trade show centres on alternative forms of protein and enrichment, with a focus on a wide variety of products from the plant-based protein, insect protein, algae protein, mushroom-based protein and cell-cultivated meat segments. With over 1400 companies worldwide that offer plant-based alternatives to animal-based products, the trade show reflects the growing interest and increased variety within the industry. The commitment to alternative proteins ties in closely with the top theme of Anuga, 'Sustainable Growth'.

Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director of Anuga, said: "Alternative proteins are not a short-lived trend, but indeed the future of food. A healthy and sustainable supply of proteins will become an essential component for the food requirements of an ever increasing number of consumers. The market for alternative proteins is not only being pushed by the demand of the consumers, but equally by trailblazing, technological innovations."

Anuga will offer a program comprising webinars, workshops and speaker events that focus on alternative proteins and will examine the latest research results and technological breakthroughs. Professionals from science and business circles and environment protection organisations will share their thoughts about the plant-based, fermented and cell-cultivated protein sources.

In addition to the technical and scientific discussion, Anuga Alternatives also focuses on the other sustainability aspects of food production, including issues like ethical procurement, the preservation of biodiversity and the socio-economic effects of changing over to plant-based diets.

Overall market for plant-based food is growing 

According to Innova Market Insights, the market for plant-based meat substitute products in Germany has recorded significant growth both in terms of turnover and the number of product launches. Between 2022 and 2023 the market value increased by 7.8%, from a market size of AU$967m in the year 2022 up to AU$1042m in the year 2023. Furthermore, in April 2024, 27% more meat substitute products were introduced onto the market than in the same period of the previous year, which represents a peak in innovation. Own-brand companies also recorded positive growth in the category of meat substitute products — 34% of the market launches of meat substitute products in Germany are now own brands. 

Bastian Mingers, Vice President Food Trade Fairs, Koelnmesse GmbH said: "The figures impressively underline how the increasing consumer orientation towards plant-based products is sustainably changing the food market and opening up new growth potential. Our new trade show, Anuga Alternatives, is the answer to the market's dynamic development towards plant-based food and a decisive trendsetter for the trade and industry. Visitors have the unique opportunity to gain in-depth insights into an aspiring industry, get to know new suppliers and products, inform themselves about the latest trends and keep abreast of the developments of the food industry of tomorrow,"