Experience the future of food and beverage technology at the leading international trade fair
The food and drink industry is on the cusp of a transformation: global supply chains under pressure, growing demands for quality, safety and traceability, increasing regulation – and, at the same time, the enormous potential of digitalisation, automation and new production technologies.
How can complexity in food production be managed? How can we achieve safer, more efficient and more sustainable processes? And which technologies and strategies will ensure companies are fit for the future?
Guide theme: “Navigate Complexity. Smart. Safe. Sustainable.”"
Anuga FoodTec 2027 will bring the international FoodTec community together in Cologne from 23 to 26 February.
As the conceptual sponsor and technical partner, DLG e.V. is responsible for the trade fair’s entire professional programme: from devising the content and selecting the speakers to moderating the sessions. Koelnmesse GmbH is the organiser of the trade fair.
Venue
Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne
Organiser
Trade fair: Koelnmesse GmbH
Technical programme: DLG e.V. – German Agriculture Society
Date
23–26 February 2027
Contact
Carola K. Herbst
Deputy Managing Director, DLG Competence Center Agriculture and Food
Inka Scharf
DLG Competence Center Agriculture and Food
anugafoodtec@DLG.org
Highlights of the technical programme
The specialist programme spans four days, with a different thematic focus each day covering the entire food processing sector: from the processing of milk and meat, through liquid foods, to plant-based foods. On the Innovation Stage, in the SUSTAINABLE Community Hub and in the SMART Community Hub, the industry’s most pressing questions will be discussed through formats such as Deep Dives, Tech Talks, Science Slams, Fishbowls and Open Expert Stages – ranging from AI-supported quality assurance and smart intralogistics, through CO₂ reduction and the circular economy, to alternative proteins and sustainable packaging solutions.
Tuesday, 23 February 2027
Theme Day: Processing of Dairy and Alternatives
Opening | Deep Dive: Science & Pioneering (Fermentation, Alternative Proteins) | Innova Top Trends | Science Slam: Food Processing (Innovative Dairy) | Open Expert Stage: Safety & Analytics (AI-powered Inline Quality Management) | Deep Dive: Environment & Energy (Wastewater Management) | Euromonitor | International FoodTec Award
Wednesday, 24 February 2027
Theme Day: Processing of Meat and Alternatives
Euromonitor | Deep Dive: Safety & Analytics (Bio-/Nanosensors) | Open Expert Stage: Pet Food | Innova Top Trends | Science Slam: Environment & Energy (Refrigeration and Hygiene Technology) | Deep Dive: Intralogistics (Smart Intralogistics) | Deep Dive: Food Processing (Clean Label) | Female Leadership Event
Thursday, 25 February 2027
Theme Day: Processing of Liquid Food
Euromonitor | Deep Dive: Science & Pioneering (Product Innovations) | Open Expert Stage: Environment & Energy (CO₂ Reduction) | Innova Top Trends | Science Slam: Food Packaging (Lightweight Packaging) | Fishbowl: Intralogistics (Resilience in Supply Chains) | Deep Dive Special: Water | Fishbowl Special: Water
SUSTAINABLE Community Hub
A meeting place for industry, start-ups, academia and the next generation – for exchange, co-creation and networking around sustainable food and drink production.
Topics:
- Circular economy & upcycling of by-products
- Alternative protein sources
- Sustainable packaging solutions
- Energy efficiency & CO₂ reduction
- Water cycles & wastewater management
Formats:
Deep Dives | Fishbowl discussions | Open Innovation Day | Start-up Day | BarCamp | Next Generation Day
Supported by Ecolab as a sponsor.
SMART Community Hub
A platform for smart production systems and digital technologies – fostering dialogue between industry, start-ups and academia.
Topics:
- Artificial intelligence in food and beverage processing
- Robotics & automation
- Digital twins & format changes
- Cyber security in networked production environments
- Data-driven process optimisation
Formats:
Tech Talks | Fishbowl discussions | Open Innovation Showcase | BarCamp
Guided Tours
Curated guided tours of the exhibition focusing on the week’s key themes – organised and led by the DLG.
Tours include:
- Milk processing and alternatives
- Meat processing and alternatives
- Liquid food processing
- Plant-based food processing
- Pet food
- International FoodTec Award
- Social media tour
- Career Day
International FoodTec Award
The International FoodTec Award is the most prestigious innovation prize in the international food technology sector. The DLG will be presenting it for the 13th time in 2027. With this award, the DLG and its partners recognise groundbreaking developments in terms of innovation, sustainability and efficiency in the field of food technology. An independent, international panel of experts selects the winners in the Gold and Silver categories.
Awards ceremony:
Tuesday, 23 February 2027 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Anuga FoodTec, Cologne
