Anuga FoodTec 2022: back to business

Focussed, high quality, and live again, finally: Anuga FoodTec, the leading trade fair for meat processing, packaging and, now, alternative proteins, following the pandemic-related interruption has garnered a few attendees for exhibitors.

It’s my first time visiting Anuga FoodTec, and to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect. Good ideas are especially in demand during challenging times. And the food industry doesn’t disappoint. This was impressively exemplified by the creative concepts of the suppliers via the selection of their machinery/technology on display.

A plethora of businessmen and executives from the food industry were present on the 2nd day of the exhibition. The turnout of professionals from various sectors of the industry was modest but characterised by their quality, a fact praised by many exhibitors and that created hope for new successful commercial agreements, exchange of ideas and updating of new trends.

From the conversations I had with exhibitors there were important decision makers present looking to develop their businesses, whether that was along the lines of diversification or sustainability – many took the opportunity to see up close a number of innovative products and solutions, but also to be informed about developments, in a Covid-free environment. Exhibitors were left impressed and excited by the fact that visitors were determined to discuss the real needs of their businesses and find solutions to issues and leave the exhibition with real proposals and ideas.

I highly enjoyed the second day at Anuga FoodTec 2022. The first big in-person events in such a long time received a very positive response. Despite not seeing high numbers in attendance, it was great to be eased back into trade shows, as it allowed us to hunt for new technologies all in one day. The most important thing, according to visitors and exhibitors, was the personal contact and the direct discussions. It’s really irreplaceable – that’s something everyone agrees on. I hope we’ll continue to receive these responses at future events and many more ideas to enrich the experience too with more special features now that we’re heading back to more normal times.

• Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.
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