With many players in the international food industry wondering if Anuga 2021 will take place in October, given government-imposed restrictions on travel and public gatherings due to the devastating SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (coronavirus) that have caused the cancellation of many B2B exhibitions during the past 18 month, the optimistic statement issued on June 21 by Stefanie Mauritz has been welcomed across the board.
“The preparations for Anuga 2021 are running at full speed,” said the director of the trade show that normally takes place every two years in Cologne, Germany. “The current developments give us reason to be very positive. The first model regions are opening up in Germany, the lockdowns are being reversed in many European countries, major events and re-starts of trade fairs are currently being planned. We are recording very good registration figures, with exhibitors from over 94 countries have already registered for Anuga.”
In any event, it will also be possible to take part in Anuga 2021 virtually without visiting Cologne, as the 2021 edition is going hybrid. The physical trade fair is scheduled to run from October 9-13. The digital Anuga @home live from will be accessible from October 11-13, and subsequently on-demand.
The announcement from Mauritz came less than a month after coronavirus pandemic concerns resulted in cancellation the 2021 inaugural Seafood Expo Global event in Spain for the second time. Initially slated to run from April 26-28, then rescheduled for September 7-9 at Fira de Barcelona, organizers announced on May 26 that it will not take place this year.
“Keeping our customers’ best interest in mind is our top priority. After evaluation of suppliers and buyers’ concerns around the continued uncertainties caused by the ongoing Covid-19 situation worldwide, it became evident that 2021 would still be too soon to host an international event that would provide the global experience the seafood community would find valuable,” said Liz Plizga, group vice president of Portland, Maine-headquartered Diversified Communications. “The 28th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will now take place April 26-28, 2022.”
Anuga organizers, meanwhile, are taking steps to maximize safety at the show, as spelled out at the www.anuga.com website:
“The essence of a trade fair is face-to-face interaction: in order to ensure that your networking is as safe and successful as possible, even in times of Corona, we have developed a series of measures in accordance with the Corona Protection Ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and in close cooperation with the authorities in Cologne. These measures interlock seamlessly and regulate the cooperation at the trade fair. Our aim is to guarantee professional protection at the highest level and create an environment in which your business can grow again.”
Wouter Lefevere, managing director of category management for Aldi Netherlands, was pleased with news from the organizers that the show will likely go on.
“For every buying professional in the retail world, Anuga is the must-go-to event of the year. Next to getting inspiration about new trends within food stuff, Anuga provides an efficient and effective platform to connect with new and existing suppliers from around the globe, all at one single location. After all, nothing will ever beat a face-to-face meeting.
Ole Førre Skogstø, head of innovation and private brands for Oslo, Norway-headquartered REMA 1000, was of the same mind.
“Anuga is one of the most important trade shows we visit, he remarked. “We find inspiration, connect with new potential partners, and get a good overview of what’s going on ‘out there.’ It’s also a very good arena to build stronger relations with existing partners.”
