AnugaFoodTec2027

AnugaFoodTec2027                            

Cologne: 23. – 26.02.2027  

The international trade fair for food and drink technology

The 2027 ANUGA FOODTEC will be held from 23 to 26 February at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. This edition is set to be bigger than ever, with an expected exhibition area of 140,000 square metres and over 50,000 trade visitors. Current booking figures reflect strong interest – twothirds of the exhibition space has already been reserved, a record high, with about 75% of applications coming from previous exhibitors, demonstrating the event’s high industry recognition.

Sustainability: A Core Strategy Throughout

This edition’s central theme – “Navigate Complexity. Smart. Safe. Sustainable.” – clearly places sustainability alongside “smart” and “safe” as one of the three pillars for tackling industry complexity.

Focus on Sustainable Packaging: A Frontier of Industry Transformation

Packaging is one of the most critical areas for sustainability, and this edition makes sustainable packaging a key topic:

Active participation by global leaders – including Ecolean, Multivac, Krones, and many others, who will present their latest R&D results and solutions in eco-friendly packaging.

Special “Sustainable Packaging” display – in cooperation with leading research institutions such as the Sustainable Packaging Institute (SPI). It will showcase cutting-edge technologies and offer guidance on Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance, turning regulatory challenges into opportunities.

Forward-looking thought exchange – industry bodies such the Netherlands Packaging Centre (NVC) will share long-term trends in food packaging and discuss how to address future challenges like an ageing society.

From Process to Energy: Green Innovation Across the Value Chain

The concept of sustainability runs through all stages of food production:

Process technology & digitalisation – AI-supported smart systems optimise production processes, precisely control energy and raw material consumption, and use tools such as digital twins to test efficiency in virtual environments.

Safety & traceability systems – ensure food safety and reduce waste, while monitoring resource use and lowering risks, providing a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Energy & environment solutions – many exhibitors will showcase how heat recovery, water recycling, and low-energy equipment can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and lower costs.

Industry Giants Gather: Who Is Leading the Green Transformation?

Numerous industry leaders will present cutting-edge sustainable solutions. Confirmed exhibitors include:

Integrated processing & packaging solutions – GEA, Krones, Marel, Multivac, Siemens, etc.

Filling & packaging technology – Handtmann, Ulma, etc.

Meat & food processing – Vemag, Seydelmann, etc.

Safety & hygiene – Ecolab, Bizerba, etc.

Refrigeration & gas technology – Air Liquide, etc.

Many companies also demonstrate their sustainability achievements through concrete practices:

Krones – offers integrated solutions from “microbiological testing” to “dry-type aseptic systems”. Its digital platform optimises water, energy, and media consumption and provides process transparency.

Multivac – as a packaging technology leader, will focus on how advanced technologies can reduce packaging material use and promote recyclable and mono-material packaging.

Ecolean – known for its lightweight, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging solutions, dedicated to reducing the overall carbon footprint of its products.

Siemens – uses its digital industrial technologies, including digital twins and AI, to optimise the entire value chain, helping companies achieve energy management and emission reductions.

Innovation Incubation & Future Vision

Beyond the exhibition, a rich supporting programme will be offered:

DLG Innovation Award – presented by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), recognising excellence in food technology and serving as a key industry barometer.

Science & Startup Area – a platform for research institutions and start-ups to present disruptive technologies for the next decade.

NVC Future of Food Packaging Forum – organised by the Netherlands Packaging Centre (NVC), discussing how food packaging can adapt to long-term challenges such as a sustainable ageing society.

Digitalisation & Automation Area – a concentrated showcase of Industry 4.0 applications, robotics, and MES systems – the core of building smart, green factories.

In summary, ANUGA FOODTEC 2027 is not just a technology fair, but a panoramic window into how the global food and beverage industry is driving sustainable development through technological innovation.