Anuga FoodTec 2027 – Key Dates and Information for the Industry

At Anuga FoodTec, what matters is the opportunity to see the technology in action. A machine demonstration can be the starting point for a conversation about productivity, line changeovers, cleaning, or integration with plant equipment. That’s why it’s worth starting your preparations by asking: What should visitors understand after spending a few minutes at your booth?

What is the Anuga FoodTec 2027 trade show, and when will it take place?

Anuga FoodTec 2027 will take place February 23–26, 2027, at Koelnmesse in Cologne. This is an international trade show for food and beverage industry technology held every three years. It covers all stages of production: from raw material processing through filling and packaging to automation and internal logistics.

On the last day, the trade show ends early, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when scheduling meetings and planning your return trip.

The event is aimed at companies seeking manufacturing technologies and suppliers of such solutions. For exhibitors, this means they need to prepare both a sales presentation and answers to detailed technical questions.

What technologies will be on display at Anuga FoodTec?

The fair covers eight main segments: processing, filling and packaging, automation, digitalization, intralogistics, safety and analytics, environment and energy, and science and innovation.

The theme for the 2027 edition is „Navigate Complexity. Smart. Safe. Sustainable.” The organizer highlights interconnected production systems, automation, and the use of artificial intelligence in process management. Safety and responsible resource management will also be important.

If you’re planning to modernize your facility, prepare questions about the specific process. In addition to the machine’s performance, it’s worth discussing packaging format changeover time, access to parts, service requirements, and compatibility with your existing production line. This information will help you assess the suitability of the solution for your specific conditions.

Exhibitors can use these same questions to plan their demonstrations. A brief demonstration of how to change tools or access parts that need cleaning will help showcase features of the machine that are difficult to explain in a catalog alone.

What's new at Anuga FoodTec 2027?

The 2027 edition will feature zones SMART Community Hub and SUSTAINABLE Community Hub, combining presentations of solutions with discussions and the sharing of experiences.

The SMART Community Hub will focus on digital technologies in food and beverage production. The announced formats include short technical presentations, audience-participation discussions, and presentations on specific applications.

The SUSTAINABLE Community Hub will focus on the efficient use of raw materials and energy, the circular economy, alternative packaging, and new sources of protein.

The program will be complemented by the Innovation Stage and Speakers Corner. The organizer has announced topics related to, among other things, dairy, meat and meat alternatives, liquid foods, and plant-based products. Before you go, check the detailed schedule and select sessions that align with the projects your company is working on.

How do you design a booth for showcasing food processing machinery?

The design of the booth for Anuga FoodTec should take into account how the equipment operates right from the initial concept. The floor space occupied by the machine alone is not enough to determine the total space required. You must also factor in space for the operator, service access, space for feeding and receiving the product, and viewing areas for spectators.

In the brief for the contractor, include the following:

• the dimensions and weight of each exhibit;
• method of delivery, unloading, and installation of the equipment;
• requirements for electricity, water, drainage, or compressed air;
• the route of the demonstration and the number of people involved in organizing it;
• space for raw materials, packaging, and supplies used during the demonstrations;
• access to components that require maintenance or cleaning.

With large machines, the order of operations matters: it may be necessary to position the machine before closing part of the enclosure. Agreeing on this in advance helps avoid a situation where a finished wall or platform makes it difficult to bring in an exhibit.

It’s also a good idea to separate the demonstration area from the conversation area. People watching the device in action should have a clear view, while the sales team should have a space to discuss the device’s specifications and the customer’s needs.

If the entire process cannot be demonstrated at the booth, combine the actual exhibit with a video recording of it in operation at the facility. Clearly indicate which steps visitors are seeing in person and which are shown in the video.

How do I register as an exhibitor?

Registration is done via the form on the official Anuga FoodTec website. The organizer specifies a minimum standard booth size of 12 m², with exceptions for co-exhibitors and participants in group presentations.

Before submitting your application, specify the thematic segment, the scope of the exhibition, and the required floor space. Confirm your preferred location and the availability of space with the organizer. Submitting your application early gives you more time to prepare, but does not automatically guarantee a specific spot.

Once you receive the floor plan, forward it to the contractor along with the equipment documentation. This will allow you to review the booth layout and technical requirements before production of the booth begins.

How much does exhibition space cost at Anuga FoodTec 2027?

The rental price depends on the type of booth and the date of registration. The organizer publishes the following net rates:

In addition to the cost of the space, there is, among other things, a flat-rate energy fee of 24.50 EUR/m², a marketing package of 42.50 EUR/m², and an AUMA fee of 0.60 EUR/m². The rent does not include fixtures or flooring. Services ordered separately, such as electrical and water connections, are billed separately. Before registering, please check the current price list and the full terms and conditions of participation.

The exhibitor's budget should also include the design and construction of the booth, transportation of machinery, unloading, assembly, commissioning, staffing during the trade show, and dismantling. For demonstrations, add the cost of consumables and operators' labor.

When comparing contractors' bids, determine who is responsible for each task. It is particularly important to distinguish between the installation of built-in fixtures and the setup, connection, and commissioning of equipment.

How much do tickets cost, and when do they go on sale?

The organizer has announced that ticket sales will begin for October 20, 2026.

The published price list provides for:

Discounted tickets are recommended for students and young professionals. Please check the eligibility requirements and current prices at the organizer's ticket office before purchasing.

Adjust the number of days for your visit to fit your schedule of meetings, demonstrations, and program sessions. If you’re comparing several solutions for a single production line, leave time to revisit selected suppliers with additional questions.

Is Anuga FoodTec a good fit for smaller companies?

Anuga FoodTec can also serve as a showcase for manufacturers of specialized components, software providers, and companies offering solutions for specific stages of production. The organizer has also set up a Science & Pioneering area featuring offerings for startups that have been in business for no more than ten years.

For a smaller booth, it’s a good idea to choose one clear theme for your presentation: the problem you’re solving, how the product works, and the conditions for its implementation. A clear demonstration of a single use case will make it easier to strike up a conversation with the right audience.

Before deciding to participate, also determine what you expect to gain from the trade show—inquiries about plant modernization, contacts with distributors, or discussions with machine manufacturers. Tailor your exhibit and team composition accordingly.

How to Prepare for Anuga FoodTec, Step by Step?

1. Define your goal and target audience. Specify which companies' representatives or partners you would like to meet with.
2. Select the exhibits and the scope of the demonstrations. Decide which devices will be operational and which ones you'll display as static models.
3. Confirm the area and technical specifications. Check the venue layout, the organizer's requirements, and the deadlines for ordering services.
4. Coordinate the construction schedule with the delivery of the machinery. Be sure to unload, set up, connect, and perform tests before opening.
5. Gather your team and materials. Provide access to device specifications, implementation examples, and service information.
6. Schedule a follow-up after the trade show. For each conversation, note the use case, the customer's requirements, and the agreed-upon next step.

When comparing technologies, it will be helpful to have a common list of criteria: performance for a given product, utility consumption, changeover time, cleaning methods, and operating requirements. This will make it easier for you to organize information from different suppliers.

How does Anuga FoodTec differ from IFFA and SIAL?

All three events are business-oriented, but they differ in their main focus.

This distinction stems from the profile of the events as presented by their organizers.

It’s best to base your choice on a specific offering and target audience. A manufacturer of equipment used in several sectors of the food industry might consider Anuga FoodTec, while a supplier specializing in meat processing might also consider IFFA. Some of the scopes of these trade shows overlap, so be sure to check the exhibitor directory and program before making a decision.

Set up your booth for Anuga FoodTec 2027 with BWS Expo Plus

At BWS Expo Plus, we design and build trade show booths, combining our in-house production facilities with logistics, assembly, and on-site support. When it comes to food technology exhibitions, our starting point is the equipment, how it is presented, and the exhibitor’s team’s needs.

Are you planning to participate in Anuga FoodTec 2027? Please submit your floor plan, a list of exhibits with their dimensions and weights, and information about planned demonstrations. Include your utility connection requirements and an estimated budget. Based on this information, we’ll prepare a booth design proposal that will provide space for showcasing your technology and meeting with clients.