The product range spans from unprocessed meat products, to meat preparations and convenience products, through to fine sausage and ham products as well as regional specialities. Even if this year’s Anuga Meat doesn’t quite match the usual scope of international exhibitors due to the pandemic, the trade fair of the meat industry is well represented with suppliers from over 30 countries.

The challenges of the meat and meatless industry

The international meat industry is currently having to face diverse challenges: in addition to COVID-19, discussions about the working conditions in the meat factories and animal welfare, the African swine fever, price volatility as well as a radical change in eating culture through to the reduction in the consumption of meat are causing new problems.

The latter aspect is also being reflected at Anuga Meat. In addition to the classic suppliers of meat, sausages and poultry, the trade fair also offers insights into the latest trends and innovations in the meat substitute segment. The traditional meat and sausage producers are represented both physically and digitally by among others, BRF, Citterio, Elpozo and Tönnies. The most important group stands on-site include Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the USA. Further renowned exhibitors have already announced their digital participation at Anuga @home.

The alternative sources of protein: plant based, insects and lab cultured meat

Since more consumers are paying attention to food produced in a healthy and sustainable manner, substitute foods and ingredients are on the rise. Alternative sources of protein are one of the most important sections here. Health remains the number one reason for buying meat substitutes according to Innova Market Insights’ consumer research.

The search for alternative proteins has resulted in the introduction of more and more novel products onto the market. These include plantbased protein sources, insects as well as lab-cultured meat. In order to do justice to these developments, the new section “Meet more Meatless” within Anuga Meat will place the focus on meat alternatives and substitute products. Among others the exhibitors include Meatless Farm, Phuture Foods, Planterra and Vivera.