Add Anuga FoodTec to the lengthening list of trade show postponements due to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) health crisis that continues to wreak havoc internationally. The pandemic that originated in China last year has by now reportedly infected more than 71.6 million and killed over 1.6 million people worldwide.
Organizers of the Anuga FoodTec planned to take place in Cologne, Germany from March 23-26, 2021 have rescheduled the exhibition for April 26-29, 2022. Normally held every three years, the show covers the entire spectrum of food and beverage production – ranging from processing to packaging and storage.
The Koelnmesse management team issued the following statement on December 11:
“From the many discussions with you, we have taken away one central message – there is no substitute for personal exchange! This exchange will not be possible in the coming March in the way we would all like it to be. As the effects of the pandemic, such as travel restrictions and partial shutdowns, have worsened in recent weeks and there is no short-term improvement in sight, we are forced to postpone Anuga FoodTec.
“We know that trade fair calendars are very packed from the second half of 2021, and the same is true for our site. Moreover, it is important for all of us that the next Anuga FoodTec takes place outside the currently foreseeable corona risk window. Not easy! The new event date of April 26-29, 2022, takes these considerations into account. We realize that for some of you, this date will cause scheduling conflicts; for companies in some industries, it offers significant advantages.”
Exhibitors currently registered for Anuga FoodTec 2021have been advised that their contracts will remain in force for the time being and will be transferred to Anuga FoodTec 2022. The stand space prices as well as package tariffs will remain unchanged. In addition, the early booking price will only be charged to all exhibitors who are still registered. New stand space confirmation will be sent to exhibitors in the summer/autumn period of 2021. Upon receipt, there will be a two-week special right of cancellation available at no cost.
No Digital Platform in 2021
“We had announced the digital extension Anuga FoodTec@home for 2021. There you would have been able to get in touch with global visitors who could not or did not want to come to Cologne in person,” said Anne Schumacher, vice president of trade fair management. “Since we are not holding the physical trade show in March 2021, the basis for a hybrid event is now also missing.”
Director Matthias Schlüter added: “Of course, we also looked closely at whether we should alternatively organize a purely digital platform instead of the physical trade show. However, this format will also not be implemented in 2021, as a purely digital offering without a physical trade fair does not achieve the desired benefit for you as an exhibitor at Anuga FoodTec. Instead, we will use the time until Anuga FoodTec 2022 to prepare it – as already planned for 2021 – as a hybrid trade fair. We would thus like to focus our energy fully on a successful Anuga FoodTec 2022.”
Meanwhile, the international trade show organizer intends to go ahead as planned with two supplier fairs for the food processing industry next fall in India and South America. Anutec India is set to take place in New Delhi from September 15-17, 2021, while Andina Pack is slated for November 9-12, 2021 in Bogota, Colombia.
