Focus on sustainable growth through F&B innovations

September 21, 2023 — The global show will highlight food innovations and the industry’s intrinsic link with the environment and climate through the theme “Sustainable Growth” which will be highlighted in Cologne (October 7-11 ).

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

They urge the food industry to use environmental and social resources sustainably, find an ecological balance and fulfill its responsibilities towards society and future generations.

Speaking on the theme of Anuga for this year, Jan Philip Hartmann, Director of Anuga, tells Food Ingredients First“Ahead of the launch of Anuga, we launched a webinar series with our partner Innova Market Insights that covers topics related to our main theme.”

“During Anuga, we work with new partners and – through conferences, workshops, experience spaces and speaker sessions – address key industry concerns and present and discuss innovations. »

UNIDO will host discussions on global food security and the impact of new regulations 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 productionresource-friendly raw material cultivation, food waste and pathways to a circular food system are at the forefront,” adds Hartmann.

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

Organizers say challenges facing the global food industry, such as global population growth, threats from climate change, water and energy shortages and loss of biodiversity, justify a crucial need for innovations and product solutions.

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

“Our new format, Anuga Horizon, which we have incorporated into this year’s Anuga, will contribute to ‘sustainable growth’ by cultivating change in food innovation,” says Hartmann. “Of course, there are many other events such as Anuga Organic on Stage or the Anuga Taste Innovation Show, where we present products and solutions that demonstrate a more sustainable food future.

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

“International trade is of particular importance in our globalized world. There is a good chance that new approaches and solutions will be found at a leading international trade fair like Anuga. UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, relies on innovation and cooperation, notably to create a world without hunger,” emphasizes Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO.Innova Market Insights highlights that consumers want companies to improve waste management.

“The main challenge of the future will be to promote economic growth and sustainable development while ensuring that the necessary natural resources are always available,” adds Jan Philipp Hartmann, director of Anuga.

He adds that disruptive changes are influencing the global market and require an exchange of ideas and solutions to find new approaches for a sustainable food system.

Likewise, the salon concerned Anuga FoodTec, which will take place in March 2024, will focus on a central theme: “Responsibility”. The fair organizers emphasize that the food industry faces current and future challenges and recognizes its responsibility.

Anuga FoodTec will focus on how the industry should guide future food production to create sustainable change and ensure global supply security.

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

“We want to help companies showcase their latest technologies and strategies to combat food waste at Anuga and as part of the Anuga Horizon Summit,” shares Hartmann. “This enables a productive exchange between 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 theme, find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth. Because the most sustainable and effective solution to creating a world without hunger is undoubtedly to decisively end food waste.”

EIT Food calls for a growing role for start-ups in the agri-food sector.Data from Innova Market Insights suggests that more than one in four consumers surveyed in 2023 want environmental considerations to be part of future NDP, while 46% say they have minimized food waste in the last year.

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

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

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

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

“At EIT Food, we firmly believe in the transformation potential of young companies. We look forward to supporting start-ups by giving them early access to food companies,” says Dr. Georg Schirrmacher, West Region Director of EIT Food.

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

By Jolanda van Hal

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