Anuga says the Anuga Alternatives trade show reflects the growing interest and variety in the alternative proteins industry. The show will focus on a wide variety of products from the plant-based protein, insect protein, algae protein, mushroom-based protein, and cell-cultivated meat segments.
Organisers said that with more than 1400 companies worldwide, including at least 70 in Germany, offering plant-based alternatives to animal-based products, alternative proteins ties in closely with the top theme of Anuga, Sustainable Growth.
Anuga director, Jan Philipp Hartmann 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.
The progress made in processing plant-based sources of protein and finding new sources of protein are of central importance here. At the coming edition of Anuga, especially within the scope of Anuga Alternatives, we will examine these developments in detail.”
The trade show will run a program of webinars, workshops, and speaker events focusing 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 research about plant-based, fermented and cell-cultivated protein sources.
In addition to the technical and scientific discussion, Anuga Alternatives will also look at the social aspects of food production, including themes like ethical procurement, the preservation of biodiversity, and the socio-economic effects of changing over to plant-based diets.
Market for plant-based food is growing
According to global market researcher, 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 2022-2023 the market value increased by 7.8 per cent, from a market size of US$639 million in 2022 to US$689 million in 2023.
Furthermore, in April 2024, 27 per cent more meat substitute products were introduced onto the market than in the same period of the previous year, representing a peak in innovation. Own brand companies also recorded growth in the category of meat substitute products – 34 per cent of the market launches of meat substitute products in Germany are now own brands.
Koelnmesse GmbH, vice president Food Trade Fairs, Bastian Mingers said the figures show how consumers’ move towards plant-based products is sustainably changing the food market and opening new growth potential.
“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,” Mingers said.
Anuga Alternatives will be held from 4-8 October 2025. The exhibitor early bird offer ends on 30 September 2024.
