Symrise is bringing industry perspectives to COP30 and connected events in Belém, underscoring a strong commitment to climate action and biodiversity. A major highlight includes the TED Countdown session, where Symrise – together with partner CO2 AI – launches the Houston platform, a digital tool for measuring carbon footprints at both product and corporate level. The company also co-chaired the Sustainable Business Bioeconomy Working Group. With these actions, Symrise demonstrates how digital innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and practical solutions drive measurable progress for climate, nature, and local communities across priority supply chains.
By hosting the TED Countdown event “The Essence of Carbon” with CO2 AI, Symrise underlines its commitment to data-driven climate action. At the session, held during COP30, the partners will launch the Houston platform and present it to a select group of customers and guests – marking a major step in Symrise’s sustainability journey. Both parties will showcase how digital tools accelerate decarbonisation in operations and products, supporting credible, scalable transparency on emissions along the value chain.
The digital tool enables Symrise to measure and manage product- and corporate-level carbon footprints with precision and efficiency. By integrating this carbon data, Houston empowers teams to gain real-time insights, prioritise impactful interventions, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. The platform’s robust governance structure supports traceability and transparency, reinforcing Symrise’s ambition to advance in scalable decarbonisation.
Prior to the COP30 conference, Symrise also co-chaired the Sustainable Business Bioeconomy Working Group. This role allowed the company to contribute private-sector perspectives that link climate action, biodiversity, and social progress. Promoting the bioeconomy within the COP solutions agenda enables Symrise to enter into collaborative partnerships with global organisations and share practical experience from inclusive sourcing programs and circular technologies.
“Launching the Houston platform marks a milestone in our decarbonisation journey. CO2 AI’s platform acts as enabler to accelerate our vision of one carbon accounting language serving both corporate and product purposes. By integrating this robust solution, we empower our organisation and partners to make data-driven decisions with full confidence and to accelerate progress on our sustainability goals,” says Dr Isabella Tonaco, Chief Sustainability Officer at Symrise. “As co-chair of the Bioeconomy Working Group, I joined industry peers to accelerate progress together advancing collaborative work that turns proven pilots into scalable practice.”
Symrise’s engagement at COP30 also extends to the BMZ/GIZ Combú Island dialogue. It is joining a select group of stakeholders – including the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development – to advance public-private bilateral dialogues between German and Brazil to foster economic development and strengthen both nations partnership “Bridging the Gap” initiative. “Our partnership with Symrise and Natura shows how inclusive business models work in practice – bringing indigenous and local products to market, raising and stabilising incomes, and empowering the guardians of the Amazon Rainforest”, says Reem Alabali Radovan, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. The program empowers local communities in the Amazon through deforestation-free, traceable value chains and regenerative agriculture. Each project aims to turn collaboration into practical outcomes for climate, nature, and people. Also, within the series of events at COP30, Symrise has signed a letter of intent and partners with Deutsche Bank and other industry players to mobilise financial support for rainforest protection for Honduras and Suriname.
“COP30 convenes leaders ready to scale what works. Our programs aim to unite climate action, biodiversity protection, and social progress – so customers and communities thrive together,” explains Dr Stephanie Cossmann, Member of the Executive Board for Human Resources (Labour Director), Legal and Sustainability. “At Symrise, we see biodiversity as fundamental to our business and our commitment to sustainability. We act with purpose to drive effective measures that reduce global emissions and protect our planet for future generations.”
The leading global trade fair Anuga broke all previous records with its 2025 edition: Over 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries exhibited in Cologne (Germany) from 4 to 8 October – more than ever before. More than 145,000 trade visitors from over 190 nations took advantage of the opportunity to discover innovations, experience trends and establish international business contacts. The trade audience was especially strongly represented from Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Outside Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Canada and the USA were among the top nations. With a 94 percent share of foreign exhibitors and 80 percent share of visitors from abroad and with its ten trade shows, Anuga impressively reinforced their position as the undisputed global platform for the F&B industry. The visits of Alois Rainer, the German Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, and Miryung Song, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from the Republic of Korea as well as many international delegations also underlined the high level of political interest in the trade fair.
“Anuga impressively demonstrates the central role it plays for the international food industry: It is a showcase for the success of an entire sector and a key driver of billions in sales. The global food industry is one of the most important growth drivers worldwide. This strength becomes tangible at Anuga, it underscores the innovative power and international significance of the sector,” explained Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Björn Fromm, President of the German Association of the Retail Grocery Trade (BVLH), added: “Anuga has once again presented itself as the leading global trade fair for food and beverages. Particularly in today’s era of protectionism and global tension, the trade fair has set a strong signal for international dialogue and trade.”
Partner country Korea: “Flavor Meets trends”
The appearance of the partner country Korea was a special highlight of this year’s trade fair. Around 100 exhibitors presented the culinary diversity and innovative strength of the country – from fermented classics like kimchi and gochujang, through to modern food tech solutions. Guided Tours, tastings and cultural brought Korea’s cuisine to life for the trade audience.
“This year’s Anuga brought K-food and global food trends together. The result was numerous successful meetings between important buyers and the establishment of new business partnerships. This demonstrates once again why Anuga is the central platform for the global food trade,” emphasised Bong Jun Yoo, Director of the Korea Food Industry Association (KFIA).
Trends, talks and tastings: An event programme with added value
Anuga successfully brought politics, business, research and the industry together – which was particularly visible on the new Anuga HORIZON Stage International experts such as Edwin Bark (Redefine Meat), Hector Freitas (LIVEKINDLY Collective) and Dr. Giuseppe Scionti (Novameat) provided insights into alternative proteins, sustainability, food tech and vertical farming. Supported by partners such as BALPro, ProVeg, Vegconomist, DLG, Lidl and REWE, the dialogue between politics and business was promoted in a targeted manner. The new trade show Anuga Alternatives celebrated a successful premiere in the immediate vicinity.
The Anuga Trend Zone was a further highlight. Together with the knowledge partners, Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International, the Stage provided in-depth analyses on global food & drink trends, sustainability, plant-based food as well as on health & wellness.
The Anuga Organic on Stage focused on organic, plant-based food and sustainability. Among others, the highlights included the Organic Trade Academy’s market discussion with the Minister for Agriculture, Alois Rainer, who talked about the EU Goals “30% organic space by 2030”, as well as discussions on new regulations for genetic engineering and non-GMO products. Further topics encompassed the future of plant-based food, sustainability strategies and innovative product developments.
High quality of the visitors
The exhibitors particularly praised the high quality of the trade visitors including many decision-makers. Almost all of the top 20 companies from the German food retail sector were present – including Aldi Nord and Süd, the Edeka Group, Lidl, Metro AG and the Rewe Group. Over the course of the trade fair, Anuga achieved double-digit growth in the number of trade visitors from Germany.
Representatives from Aeon Co, Ahold Delhaize, Amazon, Auchan, Carrefour, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Intermarché, JD.com, Lotte Shopping, Tesco, Walmart and the Woolworths Group came from abroad.
#weareAnuga: The brand is growing worldwide
Anuga’s strength not only lies in Cologne, but also in its global network. With satellite events in Milan, Brazil, China, India, Japan and Thailand, as well as the latest newcomer, Anuga Select Ibérica in Madrid, the brand is growing continually. Today, the Anuga portfolio comprises ten international formats.
The brand’s global presence is also evident on social media: Under the hashtag #weareAnuga the community networks beyond country borders and shares inspiration from all Continents. Anuga 2025 achieved a total reach of over 3 million and thus 25 percent more than at the last edition in the year 2023.
Anuga in figures:
8,015 companies from 110 countries took part in Anuga 2025 on exhibition space covering 300,000 m². The share of foreign exhibitors was 94 percent. More than 145,000 trade visitors (plus 3.6 percent) from over 190 countries attended Anuga 2025, the foreign share was 80 percent.
The next Anuga will take place from 9 to 13 October 2027.
Consumer sentiment is changing. Consumers are more aware of the ingredients they are choosing to consume and are actively trying to purchase products that align with their needs and preferences.
GlobalData’s Ai Palette platform has analysed data from thousands of food and beverages ingredients to identify those that have high growth and high engagement. This analysis is based on real-time data points collected from social media and global retail sites over the past two years, as measured in June and July 2025, and includes a comparison of compound annual growth rates (CAGR) over that period.
The emerging food and beverage ingredients identified in this analysis were grouped under four key consumer trends: functional wellness, distinct flavour fusions, global takeover, and nature’s pantry. Insights from this analysis were presented in a recent Ai Palette webinar titled “Emerging Ingredients in Food & Beverages – Trends Consumers Really Care About in 2025,” which highlighted the following findings:
Functional wellness
This trend highlights the use of functional ingredients that improve the nutritional value of foods and beverages, providing consumers with health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Zinc is emerging as a key ingredient in the food and beverage sector due to its significant role in promoting functional wellness, supporting immune function, wound healing, and metabolic health. The Ai Palette platform indicates that the German dairy market is seeing a rise in zinc-fortified products, showcasing a growing interest in nutrient-rich dairy options.
Distinct flavour fusions
Characterised by the innovative combination of unique ingredients, this trend distinguishes products with bold and unexpected flavour profiles that captivate the palate and set them apart in the marketplace, such as gochujang. This Korean chili paste is gaining popularity in the US condiments market for its ability to enhance flavour fusions with a mix of heat, sweetness, and umami. Over the past two years, gochujang has experienced a remarkable growth rate of 28.5 %, supported by 264,000 data points from Ai Palette, appealing to adventurous consumers seeking authentic and spicy culinary experiences.
Global takeover
Reflecting the increasing influence of international flavours, this trend signifies the penetration of global flavours into new markets and categories, breaking traditional culinary boundaries. Miso is emerging as a key ingredient in the food and beverage sector, thanks to its versatility and health benefits, which align with the global demand for wholesome, flavourful options. Its growing popularity in condiments showcases its ability to enhance various dishes with its unique umami profile. Miso has seen a remarkable growth of 28.2 % since July 2023, supported by nearly 70,000 Ai Palette data points, emphasising its cultural significance and premium quality.
Nature’s pantry
This trend heralds a resurgence of natural ingredients, revitalising them with contemporary applications that underscore their timeless appeal and align with the growing demand for wholesome food and drinks. Peas are growing in importance as a vital component of this trend due to their fresh and natural qualities, which offer a distinctive and wholesome addition to culinary applications, with multiple health benefits. Their rising popularity in Indian snacks underscores their versatility and appeal in global food innovations.
Alice Popple-Connelly, Senior Consumer Analyst, at GlobalData, comments: “Understanding how consumer sentiment is changing and the underlying trends behind it enables brands to position their products more effectively. Identifying the emerging ingredients associated with each trend also provides food and beverage brands with compelling formulation options for innovation.”
Named “SipScape”, the platform offers insights into the alcohol-adjacent space, with new personas showcasing the evolving beverage consumer landscape
IFF, a global leader in food, beverage, health and wellness, has unveiled SipScape, a new platform designed to inspire innovation across the rapidly evolving adult beverage landscape. It offers actionable insights and trends, including product design, flavour modulation and sweetness reduction in no-and low-alcohol beverages. The platform also highlights IFF’s expertise in incorporating botanicals, natural colours and other functional additions based on current trends and market demands.
“Understanding how and why people drink today is essential to staying ahead,” said Fernanda De Paula, vice president of global beverages category for IFF Taste. “Consumers are looking for more than a buzz, and drinks are no longer defined solely by their alcohol content. The most successful new products are those that reflect people’s values, fulfill specific occasions and genuinely resonate with their needs. When done right, beverages can turn fleeting moments into joyful and meaningful experiences. SipScape is a vibrant virtual social scene, where brands can meet today’s beverage consumers, learn more about their preferences and uncover exciting innovation opportunities.”
Visitors to SipScape will benefit from deep explorations fueled by PANOPTIC, IFF’s proprietary trend and foresight capability. PANOPTIC has decoded cultural and consumer drivers, providing new insights into current shifts in the beverage market – such as the rise of conscious consumption and moderation among younger consumers. SipScape introduces five new consumer personas, each paired with distinctive concepts that reflect their unique preferences and motivations.
Meet two of the Sipscape’s Resident Sippers:
Eternal Explorer, Eva
Eternal Explorers, like Eva, are “rebels with a cause,” driven by a desire to create positive impact. Progressive and globally minded – similar to some members of Generation X and baby boomers – they have the means and mindset to support ethical brands through conscious choices.
Go-to concepts for Eternal Explorers include:
- Once Upon Oaxaca Cocktail – a 5 % ABV cocktail featuring Mexican flavours like mezcal and palo santo.
- Mango Sticky Rice Flavoured RTD Green Tea – a refreshing green tea packed with vitamins, immune support and natural energy.
Good-Time Guru, Gemma
Rebellious and disruptive, Good-Time Gurus are drawn to brands that not only understand their priorities but also celebrate them. Often Generation Alpha and Generation Z consumers, they value sensorial escapism, experimentation and personalisation.
Go-to concepts for Good-Time Gurus include:
- Hopped Pineapple Lemonade – an 8 % ABV beverage that fuses tropical fruit with the crisp bite of hops.
- Dragon’s Zen Sparkling Energy Drink – a zero-alcohol sparkling energy drink with balanced sweetness and a sophisticated flavour profile.
Explore SipScape: https://iffapps.com/sipscape/
The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP), a leading industry initiative dedicated to advancing the circular economy within the PET bottle value chain, announced the launch of its Circularity Test Protocol. This new protocol marks a pivotal milestone in supporting the PET value chain efforts toward sustainable development and resource efficiency.
Meeting ambitious environmental goals
The launch of the Circularity Test Protocol provides industry stakeholders with a powerful tool to meet ambitious environmental targets. EPBP’s Design for Recyclability Test Protocol already aligns with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Circularity Test Protocol can be seen as the next evolution towards true circularity.
“With this new protocol, EPBP reinforces its commitment to fostering sustainable packaging innovations that embody true circularity,” said Antoon Spiessens, co-chair of EPBP representing UNESDA.
“This protocol offers industry stakeholders a reliable framework to assess and improve the circularity of PET bottles during their R&D phase,” said John McClelland, co-chair of EPBP representing PETCORE EUROPE.
Advancing circularity in PET recycling
Circularity is defined as maximising resource use, minimising waste, extending product lifespans and enabling effective recycling, and forms the cornerstone of European Union (EU) policies and packaging legislation. The Circularity Test Protocol is designed to simulate multiple recycling loops and better address the evolving needs of the PET industry as the content of recycled PET (rPET) increases under EU policies and associated legislation.
Transitioning to the Circularity Test Protocol
EPBP will initially offer both test protocols to applicants seeking a recyclability or circularity assessment. EPBP will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish a transition period for the newly developed PET Circularity Protocol and its associated design guidelines. This transition period will enable the industry to prepare for the new design-for-circularity guidelines. These will be announced by EPBP in the near future.
During this transition period, applicants may choose whether to validate their packaging innovations based on either the recyclability or circularity protocols. However, EPBP strongly encourages applicants to begin adopting the circularity protocol. Innovations successfully validated under the recyclability protocol may face challenges when reassessed against the circularity protocol, emphasizing the importance of early adoption.
For over 17 years, EPBP has played a vital role in providing design-for-recycling (DfR) guidelines and evaluating innovative PET bottle packaging solutions based on the PET Recyclability Test Protocol to ensure the production of high-quality recycled PET (rPET). EPBP is proud to be a liaison organisation with the Technical Committee on Packaging within the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). EPBP actively contributes to the development of standards and the exchange of best practices across the industry. Evolving the PET test protocol from recyclability to circularity will provide the value chain with a clearer direction in the future, considering the reality of multi-loop recycling.
EPBP remains dedicated to facilitating the understanding and adoption of PET innovations that support recycling efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Vitamin C is a unique, flavourful, and tasty ingredient found naturally in fruits and vegetables, with essential health-boosting properties.
The growth in popularity of vitamin C stems from the ingredient’s versatility across categories where it adds functional health benefits to snacks, energy and vitality to beverages, and natural everyday support for baby care products, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant protection. It is commonly found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.
The ingredient is the subject of GlobalData’s latest report: “Ingredients Insights: Vitamin C”, which combines findings from the company’s Ai Palette innovation and consumer insights platform with GlobalData’s consumer intelligence center insights to provide a deep dive understanding of why vitamin C enjoys such positive consumer sentiment and how it is being used as a beneficial ingredient in various markets and categories. The research report also identifies the consumer trends that are driving Vitamin C’s popularity, provides suggestions for other compatible ingredients and reviews how manufacturers can use vitamin C in their products.
Leveraging the world’s largest consumer data lake, with a staggering 61 billion global data points collected in real-time from social media, e-commerce, and foodservice menus, GlobalData’s Ai Palette platform has conducted a thorough analysis of Vitamin C’s ‘engagement score’ and data point growth rates over the latest two-year period. This analysis has pinpointed key innovation opportunities for Vitamin C across key categories. In the food and beverage sector, the primary focus areas are snacks and beverages, while in the beauty and personal care sector, the baby care category stands out.
Beverages
South Korea, the UK, and the US are the top three beverage markets for vitamin C. The natural presence of vitamin C in fruit-based drinks, such as orange and citrus juices, and its increasing inclusion in functional beverages and mocktails have boosted the ingredients’ popularity in these markets.
Vitamin C in non-alcoholic beverages aligns with the vitality and balance trend, which emphasises health, well-being, and maintaining an active lifestyle. This trend is particularly appealing to older demographics, who prioritise ingredients like vitamin C for its role in skin health and joint support.
Olivier Fevre, Associate Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Consumers and brands associate vitamin C with a healthy lifestyle. Tapping into the health & wellness trend is crucial for brands using vitamin C, as consumers increasingly value ingredients that support overall wellbeing. Vitamin C is strongly associated with skin care and nourishing benefits, making it a natural fit for products positioned around gentle care or daily wellness routines. By delivering added nutrition or nourishing properties, such as natural energy or supporting skin health, products containing vitamin C are a simple, everyday way for families to boost their health and wellness from the snacks, beverages, and baby care categories.”
Ingredients identified by GlobalData’s AI Palette platform are already appearing in new product innovation, tempting consumers with niche flavours, health benefits, and premium offerings.
GlobalData’s AI Palette innovation and consumer insights platform has analysed the data from thousands of flavours and ingredients, pinpointing six that are set to drive new product development in the alcoholic beverages industry in 2025.
Leveraging the world’s largest consumer data lake, with a staggering 61 billion global data points collected in real-time from social media, e-commerce, and foodservice menus, the AI platform delivers powerful insights into emerging flavours and ingredients, as well as category opportunities.
Alice Popple-Connelly, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The alcoholic drinks sector is currently navigating significant challenges, including a global trend toward reduced alcohol consumption driven by health concerns, fierce competition from alternative beverage categories, and the ongoing impact of universal tariffs on U.S. imports.
“Tempting drinkers with cutting edge innovation or core brand enhancements based upon new flavours and ingredients is essential for category growth. For example, ingredient innovation will help brewers maintain their “cross-generational appeal”, especially with Gen Z consumers, and compete with other beverage categories in key consumption occasions such as on-premise and at-home.”
GlobalData’s latest report ‘Emerging Flavours & Ingredients in Alcoholic Beverages’, uses findings from AI Palette’s Foresight Engine, to identify one standout ingredient for each of six key markets analysed, that is suitable for alcoholic beverages innovation. These include, White Pepper in India, Tahini in the UK, and Valencia Orange in the US.
Each of the six selected ingredients is classified as having “high growth” and “high engagement” based upon consumers interactions with them across social media, retail and restaurant industry sites over recent years – as measured during the review period in March 2025. The report places each ingredient into an ingredient family, provides suggestions on ingredient pairings, and reviews how brands can leverage these ingredients in alcoholic drinks and capitalise on their benefits.
The six emerging flavours and ingredients identified in the report:
Tahini
Is a creamy paste with a slightly bitter undertone made from ground sesame seeds. Common in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. One promising opportunity for tahini lies in the rapidly growing UK stout segment, which is expected to achieve a 14.2 % CAGR from 2020 to 2029, according to GlobalData. Rogue Ales & Spirits has innovatively incorporated the flavours of tahini into ist 2022 Santa’s Private Reserve stout, in collaboration with Honey Mama’s.
Flavour Profile: Nutty, Woody, Bitter
Ingredient Pairings: Chocolate, Tangerine, Honey
Ingredient Benefits: Strong nutritional profile, Creates a creamy texture, Subtle neutral colouring
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Is a plant known for its red calyces, which are often used in herbal teas, health drinks, tonics, jams, jellies, yoghurt, lozenges and candies. In recent years, roselle juice has become more popular in functional drinks aimed at hydration, digestion and heart health. It is more widely consumed in the Middle East & Africa as well as the Asia & Australasian markets. In the latter, it’s ‘floral’ flavour ranks among the top five flavours within spirits, making it the highest-ranking region for this flavour in the alcoholic beverages sector, according to GlobalData’s Q1 2024 consumer survey.
Flavour Profile: Floral, Fruity, Herbal
Ingredient Pairings: Lime, Lemon, Ginger
Ingredient Benefits: Health functionality, Younger generation appeal, Attractive colour
Valencia Orange
Is a summer variety of Citrus sinensis, which includes other cultivars such as Cara Cara, blood and navel oranges. The inclusion of Valencia oranges in alcoholic beverages, is both appealing and growing in demand in the United States, where consumers express a preference for sweet flavours in wines, beer and cider.
Flavour Profile: Tangy, Sweet, Bitter
Ingredient Pairings: Cranberry, Honey, Vanilla
Ingredient Benefits: Nutritional benefits, Regional authenticity, Versatility with other flavours
Olive (Olea Europaea)
Is a small fruit native to the Mediterranean region, prized for its rich flavour and versatility. The inclusion of olives as in ingredient and flavour in alcoholic beverages is up and coming due to its unique taste profile, with South Africa emerging as a key market, reflecting growing consumer demand for natural and healthy products.
Flavour Profile: Bitter, Nutty, Earthy
Ingredient Pairings: Rosemary, Orange, Lemon
Ingredient Benefits: Unique and distinct flavour, Rich in healthy fats, Digestive health
White Pepper
Often used as a conceptual flavour descriptor rather than a physical ingredient in alcoholic beverages, white pepper is widely utilised in culinary traditions worldwide. The appeal of flavours that white pepper can facilitate in alcohol, such as spicy and woody, are appealing to consumers and demand for them is high in the MENA and Asia pacific regions.
Flavour Profile: Earthy, Fiery, Woody
Ingredient Pairings: Peach, Caramel, Agave
Ingredient Benefits: Subtle and versatile colour, Intensify other flavours, Anti-inflammatory properties
Finger Lime
Finger lime (Citrus Australasica) is a unique citrus fruit native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, known for its vibrant flavour and distinctive texture. Citrus flavours already holds a strong position in the alcoholic beverage market as an ingredient in spirits such as gin and vodka, making finger lime a promising option in high consuming spirits markets like the UK, and in Australasia where the fruit is produced.
Flavour Profile: Citrus, Floral, Bitter
Ingredient Pairings: Peach, Caramel, Agave
Ingredient Benefits: Premiumisation, Versatile flavour, Novelty
Popple-Connelly adds: “GlobalData’s AI Palette innovation and consumer insights platform provides key global insights into which ingredients and flavours are emerging in real time, serving as a powerful foundation for brand innovation. Leveraging these emerging ingredients and conceptual flavours allow alcoholic drink brands to target novel, experiential and health-conscious consumers thereby gaining a competitive edge. Each ingredient identified by the platform presents a unique opportunity for innovation across various alcoholic drink categories, empowering brands to confidently explore new possibilities.”
Anuga Select Japan 2025 returns to Tokyo Big Sight – A premier global platform for food innovation and international business matching.
Following its highly successful debut in 2024, Anuga Select Japan – part of the globally renowned “Anuga” food trade fair brand – is set to return for its second edition from April 15 to April 17, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. As one of the most internationally diverse food and beverage trade shows in Japan, Anuga Select Japan continues to solidify its position as a key event for global industry professionals seeking entry into the Japanese and wider Asian markets.
The inaugural edition in 2024 welcomed exhibitors from 9 countries, with over 86 % of participants coming from overseas—a strong testament to the show’s global appeal and uniqueness within Japan’s food trade fair landscape. This exceptional level of internationality is expected to grow even further in 2025, as the event expands its offerings and reach.
Anuga Select Japan 2025 will once again be held in conjunction with several prominent co-located exhibitions, including the internationally acclaimed ISM Japan (International Sweets and Snacks Trade Fair), FABEX Tokyo, Premium Food Show, and ProWine Tokyo. This combined format creates a powerful synergy, drawing a diverse audience of food and beverage professionals from across the globe and offering a comprehensive overview of current industry trends and innovations.
In response to the increasing global focus on health, sustainability, and ethical food production, this year’s edition will spotlight cutting-edge categories such as Organic and plant-based products, Nutritional supplements and functional foods, Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable supply chains.
As Japan continues to address the challenges of a super-aged society, the demand for products that promote longevity and wellness is growing rapidly. Anuga Select Japan 2025 will serve as a critical hub for discussion and exchange around these topics, particularly within the East Asian region. By facilitating meaningful connections between global suppliers and local buyers, the show will play a vital role in advancing food innovation and creating new business opportunities.
Organised under the esteemed Anuga brand by Koelnmesse, in partnership with industry leaders and regional stakeholders, Anuga Select Japan 2025 is poised to become an unmissable event for anyone involved in the future of food.
Azelis, a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Ashapura Aromas Private Limited, a leading distributor of ingredients in the flavours & fragrances market in India.
This acquisition provides Azelis with a strong F&F platform in Asia Pacific, creating a global F&F network, following its 2021 acquisitions of Vigon in the US and Quimdis in France, serving the Americas and EMEA regions respectively. Ashapura’s extensive product portfolio strategically complements the group’s lateral value chain in the fast-growing F&F market segment, strengthening the offering and technical expertise Azelis provides to customers.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Mumbai, Ashapura is the leading distributor of F&F ingredients in India, representing more than 225 principals with well-established partnerships and serving over 900 customers globally through the breadth and depth of its portfolio of products. Ashapura’s 100 plus employees will join Azelis, along with founders and owners Ajaykiran and Nayan Gudka, who will remain to lead the business post-integration. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the third quarter, after fulfilment of customary closing conditions.
Interpoma 2020, the international fair dedicated to the world of apples planned for the coming November in Bolzano will be presented in a new hybrid format, which will see events both in digital format and in physical presence. “Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy”, which is the name of the appointment, will take place 19 and 20 November, while the traditional physical exhibition will be moved to 2021. The decision was made by the Board of Directors of Fiera Bolzano after having conducted a survey among the international public and was of the opinion that the distinctive international character of Interpoma was therefore potentially compromised due to the present and future international travel restrictions.
Interpoma 2020 will be changing look and become “Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy”, two days of events and webinar. The new format which will replace the “traditional” fair the 19 and 20 coming November foresees the traditional international Congress “Interpoma Congress” available both online and in person, “Interpoma Future Hub”, a digital platform for the promotion of international start- and scaleups, and new events as “Interpoma Business Match”, a virtual matchmaking platform for companies and customers in collaboration with EEN (European Enterprise Network) and the Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano. The “traditional” fair, with the exhibits will be held next year, from 4 to 6 November 2021.
In the last few years Fiera Bolzano, along with the collaboration of customers and partners, has invested a great deal in the internationalization of Interpoma reaching during the 2018 edition, 20,000 visitors and 460 exhibitors from 74 and 24 countries worldwide. This is precisely what led to the decision of transforming the 2020 format and moving the “Classical” fair to 2021 so as not to compromise this important and essential component of internationalization of the event due to the many widespread international travel restrictions.
“Over the years we have done everything possible to give Interpoma an international aspect together with our partners and customers. At the end of the day this element is crucial. However, the international character of Interpoma is also essential in the world of apples where South Tyrol is a leader on the world market. Hence the decision for a new, internationally accessible digital format” – states Armin Hilpold, President of Fiera Bolzano.
“The Covid-crisis has proved that nothing can replace physical encounters when it comes to business relationships. However, it is in these particular times that our new concept hybrid event formats enable us to remain active in the international business community and to connect our exhibitors with their clients” – concludes Armin Hilpold.
The appointment therefore is online the 19 and 20 November 2020 with “Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for the Apple Economy”, and, for those who wish also at Fiera Bolzano for “Interpoma Congress”.
The newly founded World Citrus Organisation (WCO) was officially launched at Fruit Attraction, Madrid. With this official presentation, citrus fruits are finally placed at the same level of coordination worldwide as other fruit categories, such as pears & apples, kiwis, avocado or red fruits, which already have their own global platforms. The WCO will act as the global platform for dialogue and action between the citrus producing countries worldwide. The core aim of the WCO is to facilitate member countries to better face common challenges and seize opportunities for the collective benefit of the citrus sector, in a spirit of cooperation and transparency.
Led by AILIMPO, the Spanish Lemon and Grapefruit Interbranch Association, and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), sector representatives from Argentina, Chile, Italy, Morocco, Peru, Spain, and South Africa decided to join forces to create a global citrus platform where together they may address the many multifaceted changes experienced by the citrus market over recent years. Other countries that were unable to attend the meeting have also committed to the project, and the remaining global producers are invited to join the organization.
The primary objective of the WCO is to facilitate collective action in the citrus sector, for both fresh and processed categories. Most recently the sector has been faced with an extensive array of significant issues of global concern including growth in production, overlapping of seasons, changing climate conditions resulting in varied quality and biosecurity challenges, increased competition within the citrus category and between other fruit categories and food products as well as stagnating fruit consumption. The WCO will facilitate member countries to better face these common challenges and identify opportunities for the collective benefit of the citrus sector.
Specifically, the WCO’s mission is to:
- Discuss common issues affecting citrus producing countries.
- Exchange information on production and market trends to prepare for the next decade to come.
- Foster dialogue on policy issues of common concern.
- Identify and promote Research and Innovation projects specific to the citrus sector.
- Liaise with public and private stakeholders on citrus-related matters to highlight the importance of citrus producers and the need for a fair return.
- Promote the global consumption of citrus.
During the official presentation in Madrid, the Director General of Agricultural Production and Markets of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Esperanza Orellana, congratulated the citrus sector for the initiative, emphasizing the importance for Spain, leader in the production and export of citrus fruits, to be at the forefront of this project. The Counsellor of the Region of Murcia, Antonio Luengo, also greeted the participants and expressed his support for the new organisation. “It is important that the world citrus community works together to face common challenges and learn from each other,” he said, adding that, leaving aside the competitive factor, it is essential to share information and experiences for the collective benefit of the sector, which is of key strategic importance for Murcia and for Spain.
Freshfel Europe, the European Fresh Produce Association, whose Secretariat is based in Brussels, Belgium, will coordinate and administer the WCO. The next meeting, where the formalities for the foundation and future structure of the organisation will be formalized, will take place at FruitLogistica 2020 in Berlin.
Cartons will become full-scale data carriers and digital tools
Tetra Pak announced the launch of its connected packaging platform, which will transform milk and juice cartons into interactive information channels, full-scale data carriers and digital tools.
Driven by the trends behind Industry 4.0, and with code generation, digital printing and data management at its core, the connected packaging platform will bring new benefits to food producers, retailers and shoppers.
For producers, the new packaging platform will offer end-to-end traceability to improve the production of the product, quality control and supply chain transparency. It will have the ability to track and trace the history or location of any product, making it possible to monitor for market performance and any potential issues.
For retailers, it will offer greater supply chain visibility and real-time insights, enabling distributors to track stock movements, be alerted when issues occur, and monitor for delivery performance.
For shoppers, it will mean the ability to access vast amounts of information such as where the product was made, the farm that the ingredients came from and where the package can be recycled.
Ivan Nesterenko, Vice President, Cross Portfolio at Tetra Pak said: “We are unlocking new opportunities for our customers to get more value from packaging than even before. No longer is it only about product protection and functionality, it is about connectivity. The future of packaging is undoubtedly digital: this launch is a step towards a truly intelligent package, and we are excited to collaborate with our customers on this journey.”
Tetra Pak has successfully completed pilots with its customers to test the new connected package and its performance in retail in Spain, Russia, China, the Dominican Republic and India, working with beverage, juice and milk producers. In Spain a customer increased their sales by 16% through the scan and win campaign.
Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, has announced the launch of Indian Consumer, a new consumer intelligence platform featuring in-depth research reports and analyst expertise on India’s consumer markets. Designed specifically for companies, brands, and manufacturers serving the Indian market, Mintel Indian Consumer intuitively combines new consumer research with the latest market data and analyst insight, and is delivered in a highly engaging and interactive platform.
Thoroughly researched, analysed and interpreted by Mintel’s team of local expert analysts, each interactive report is easy to comprehend and, more importantly, act upon. With overarching themes across the food and drink, beauty and personal care, and lifestyles categories, Mintel Indian Consumer presents solutions to gaps identified in the marketplace, with the consumer insight needed to facilitate the product development, brand and marketing, as well as business decision-making processes.
Matthew Nelson, General Manager of Mintel Asia Pacific, says: “From first setting up shop in India nearly a decade ago to doubling our revenue and tripling our headcount in just the last three years, the launch of Mintel Indian Consumer marks an expanded footprint for Mintel in India—a challenging, dynamic and highly innovative marketplace. Mintel’s continued investment in the region builds upon our already established analyst expertise into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. This is a key milestone for the company’s long-term growth strategy and further expansion across the Asia Pacific region and the world, giving our clients research and analysis of the highest quality to help them grow their business.
“As consumer markets become more competitive, Mintel has proven to be an unparalleled asset to our clients as they develop their business strategies amidst evolving social, economic and political landscapes. Mintel Indian Consumer represents a first-of-its-kind, truly unique approach to helping companies and brands understand and validate local consumer trends and assess the market applicability of global trends locally.”
Nidhi Sinha, Head of Content, India Consumer, at Mintel, adds: “Mintel research identifies the major trends impacting the marketplace, covering consumers in metros and tier one-to-three cities across India’s four main regions. Companies and brands can drill into our consumer data to discover the regional and socioeconomic differences. In fact, the data can be viewed by household composition, demographic, gender and age, to name a few. Mintel’s expert analysts provide their unique perspective and expertise on India’s key consumer markets by examining the trending shifts in consumer behaviour and product innovation on the global and local scale.”
“Mintel Indian Consumer is augmented with interactive data books for an immersive, hands-on research experience, offering the opportunity for deeper data manipulation. Each report addresses category white space, backed by consumer data, and is presented and interpreted in a way that makes sense to our clients. Mintel’s primary research, consumer data and expert analysis give our clients actionable and unique consumer insights and opportunities to help them make informed business decisions for a successful future.”
