Main meat
IFFA 2022 starts on 14 May 200 Image: IFFA
This weekend heralds the start of IFFA 2022 after the pandemic.
Given the “successful relaunch” of Anuga FoodTec for four days, from April 26 to 29, 2022, it will be interesting to note whether IFFA can generate another “high-calibre” trade audience conducting “intensive effective discussions”.
I expect this to be a well attended fair (May 14-19 in Frankfurt). The challenges confronting meat producers – changed purchasing behaviour, competition, shifting consumption habits and also consumers’ increasingly critical attitude towards food, including its production and place of origin – make it imperative that industry responds flexibly to all these factors. Many producers are therefore looking for support from the solutions and products presented at IFFA.
We can’t forget that such a trade fair is a comprehensive source of information. But it is also a meeting place for the industry. Which is why, with sustainability being the catalyst for change and innovation in the meat industry, it makes sense to see how the meat processing industry responds with technological innovations, but also with corporate commitments to sustainable solutions.
It should also be recognised that the meat industry is in transition, not least because of plant-based alternatives. Is it a journey worth pursuing? The answer isn’t easy, since worldwide meat consumption will continue to grow. On the other hand, in the western industrialised countries plant-based alternatives are increasingly in demand. The fair won’t have ask the answers, but will go some way to helping some decide.
For the first time in its 70-plus year history, IFFA 2022 will showcase products and technologies from the vegetable-based meat and alternative protein sector, with at least 200 exhibitors falling into this category.
A welcome has been extended to important players from the German and international meat and protein industry to IFFA 2022.
The breadth and depth of the products and services to be seen is “unrivalled”, tapping into a trend said to reflect current consumer behaviour.
I have attended a fair few trade shows over the years and I’m expecting a lot from this immense triennial international exposition. Am I prepared enough? Trying to see it all is impossible, but I will try.
There are plenty of sessions to attend, yet I know this year’s IFFA will be as big, if not better than I can imagine and well worth the time and investment to attend. For those you who are wavering, there’s still time to put IFFA on the calendar.
- Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.
Keep in touch via email: rodney@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @foodanddrinktec or LinkedIn: Food & Drink Technology magazine.
