Anuga FoodTec adds insights programmes

Under the main theme of “Responsibility”, Anuga FoodTec, being held in Cologne, Germany, 19-22 March, has a collection of programmes, tours and seminars for the food and drink industries.

Matthias Schlüter, director of Anuga FoodTec, says, “This dedication is reflected in the extensive event programme, in which the participants can acquire insights into the latest technologies, science, innovative solutions and future-oriented strategies.” Through the introduction of new exhibition areas like environmental engineering and energy, the reach of the trade fair across sectors will be further extended, whereby the focus remains particularly on the main theme of “Responsibility”.

The trade programme designed by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) adopts the theme with fresh approaches. “Through participatory formats like ‘Bar Camp’ or ‘Open Expert Stage’, these multi-faceted events invite to a dialogue across industries and offer extensive possibilities for interaction”, says Simone Schiller, managing director of the DLG. The participants can enter into an active exchange and profit directly from the extensive knowledge of the experts, according to Schlüter.

“For example, with the Careers Day, we want to counter the lack of skilled employees and directly network the companies with young talents. New paths and career possibilities are pointed out to them in this way, and we hope to thus be able to arouse enthusiasm for the industry,” says Schlüter. In short, Anuga FoodTec 2024 promises a comprehensive experience with insights into the production of food and beverages today and in the future.

Here are a few highlights of the individual thematic areas:

Alternative Proteins

Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 11:25 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Meat alternatives and plant-based drinks – a look at the composition 
The consumption of meat alternatives and plant-based drinks is continually increasing in Germany and worldwide. The food industry is reacting to this growing demand with a broad portfolio of various plant-based products, which have in the meantime become fixed elements in the assortments of supermarkets. However, there has to date been only little comprehensive data concerning the precise composition of the nutrients and limited information about residues and contaminants in the products available on the German market.

In a two-year study of the Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), the plant-based drinks most frequently consumed in Germany (oat, almond and soy drinks) were examined more closely and the following questions were addressed in particular:

What does the composition of the drinks look like with regard to macronutrients, vitamins, mineral substances, trace elements and select secondary plant compounds? What residues of pesticides or mould fungus toxins might be found in plant-based drinks?

The results of the study will be presented in a summarised form and provide knowledge about the nutritional and safety-relevant aspects of these popular plant-based drinks.

Another contribution will deal with meat and sausage substitute products. Results on this subject are provided by the product monitoring of the MRI, in the context of which the energy and nutrient composition of various product groups is considered. The focus is on selected results concerning the current energy and nutrient composition of product sub-groups of meat and sausage alternatives sold in large numbers and changes to these over the course of time.

AI, DIGITALISATION & ROBOTICS

Tuesday, 19.03.2024, 1:20-2:20 p.m.
Science Slam: Digitalisation, robotics and automation 
Digitalisation, robotics, automation – these three themes are closely intertwined and play an increasingly important role in the food industry. However, what is the current status quo in the food industry, and what challenges are currently being addressed? What promising ideas and concepts are there for the networked, efficient and automated production of food? How can production be designed in future? Let yourself be inspired by current research themes from science.

Friday, 22.03.2024, 10:00-10:45 a.m. 
Panel discussion: artificial intelligence 
Everybody is talking about AI right now, and it is seen as the number one problem solver. However, as a result of the very rapid development of artificial intelligence, the question is posed of what security looks like and where the use of self-learning systems pays?

It is clear that AI offers great potential for the supplier, food and beverage industries. The application possibilities are enormous. What effects does it have on quality assurance, product development and production control, etc.? What influence does it already have today in the food industry? And is AI an answer to the shortage of skilled employees and resource scarcity? Discuss the dangers and chances of this future technology together with experts. And critically test what added value AI provides for the food industry.

Packaging

Thursday, 21 March 2024, 1:20-2:20 p.m.
Science Slam: Sustainable packaging 
Find out in compelling short lectures how experts present innovative ideas and pioneering research findings to sustainably design the future of the packaging industry. What contribution can the latest technologies and biodegradable materials make to more environmentally-friendly and resource-preserving packaging? Knowledge, creativity and sustainability will enrich the packaging world of tomorrow – be part of it!

Thursday, 21 March 2024, 3:25-4:10 p.m.
Deep Dive: Proposal for an EU regulation for packaging and packaging waste
The EU Commission hopes to limit unnecessary packaging, promote reusable solutions and establish a closed recycling cycle for all packaging on the EU market by 2030. Find out everything about the proposal for a possible EU regulation for packaging and packaging waste: how could the suggested legislation reduce packaging waste and promote the use of recyclables?

Attend the Deep Dive and discover the future of the packaging industry in Europe. Inform yourself now about how this EU regulation can create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly packaging landscape.

You can find more information at  www.anugafoodtec.com

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