5 Trade Shows That Establish the Future of Food and Drinks

Although many of the staple foods and drinks have remained unchanged for hundreds of years, the recent decades have brought in major changes in the way we grow and process our foods, as well as fresh flavor combinations and imaginative product designs. How we eat is undergoing a rapid transformation and it can be a tough task to keep up with all the emerging trends in every relevant industry sector.

We’ve selected the following international trade fairs and exhibitions, which bring together all the different trends and high-quality products. If you’re seeking to establish your influence, then you are in the perfect position to do so.

First on the list is Anuga – a world leader for the food and drinks industry, which specifically aims at retail trade and the foodservice and catering market. This long-standing trade fair is held every two years in Cologne, Germany. One of the biggest strengths of the event is its assortment of products and general size. Organizers boast that Anuga is like 10 different shows in one and this has to do with the large exhibition spaces devoted to every major food group from meats, bread and dairy products to drinks, organic products, and frozen goods.

Aside from the obvious business strengths, Anuga is also a source of valuable information thanks to a robust support program. A prime example is the New Food Conference, which tackles the new emerging industry of alternative proteins.

Germany is naturally one of the biggest markets for trade fairs and many of our pics are located in Germany like the next addition on our list – BioFach. This time around we’re in Nuremberg for a more focused look on organic products. The international trade fair services the growing market for cleaner, bio food products and is held together along with Vivaness, which tackles the organic personal care and wellness sector. Both events in tandem attract major buyers from all over the world and have become a sort of gold standard.

There's fresh food, frozen food, cooking and backing, snacks and sweets, drinks and other grocery products on display. Trade visitors can also get a glimpse into the future of organic food at the congress, which hosts sessions, presentations and workshops all happening in six different streams.

Germany is also home to Drinktec designed for the beverage and liquid food industry. This trade fair is highly specialized and held only once every four years in Munich, Germany. Drinktec has roots as a trade fair aimed at the brewery industry, but has since then broadened its portfolio to soft drinks, water, fruit juice, wines and spirits, liquid dairy products and liquid food. That’s a reason why Drinktec also shares a stage with oils+fats at the same time. Both trade fairs represent innovations and solutions across the process chain. You begin at raw materials and finish at filling and distribution.

You also have one of the most inclusive and thorough support programs out there. You’re welcome to the big Drinktec Forum and then have your choice in niche events like the BevTech Europe technical conference, the International MicroBrew Symposium and the AEDIL Conference.

Once again in Munich, we have IBA – a world leader in the baking and confectionery industry. The specialist trade fair enjoys a strong following in Europe and beyond. It’s the definitive place to meet decision makers and network with potential buyers. Because it’s held once every three years, IBA managed to present a completely fresh lineup of products and technological solutions aimed at bakeries, pastry shops and cafés. You don’t only get to taste the future, but also see it in person. That’s highly valuable.

We wrap this list with Gulfood, which is held in Dubai, UAE. Every year this trade fair manages to showcase groundbreaking innovations in food and hospitality. It’s where the act of eating meets the HoReCa sector. The international trade fair also serves as an incredible door between the East and the West, which makes it the perfect platform to showcase your products to a wider audience of invested buyers. You have a product portfolio, which spans every major product category - food & drink sectors, foodservice & hospitality equipment, as well as the restaurant & cafe industry.

There’s quite a lot to learn through the many conferences and lectures made available during the trade fair, but Gulfood is all about experiencing food. The trade fair is a full celebration and festival aimed at seeing the best of the best amazing visitors with their unique skills. The program boasts fun events like International Culinary League, Chef's Club, Flour Kitchen, UAE Latte Art Battle and the UAE National Brewers Cup Championship. Basically, there’s something for everyone and that is what has positioned Gulfood as one of the top events for the food and beverage industry.