From October 4 to 8, one of the world’s largest and most influential food industry events – Anuga 2025 – took place at the Koelnmesse exhibition center in Cologne, Germany. This year, the fair broke its own records: over 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries and 145,000 visitors from more than 190 countries attended the event.
Organizers emphasized not only the impressive scale but also the exceptional quality of trade visitors, which included top-level executives and buyers. Nearly all of Germany’s top 20 retail chains – including Aldi Nord and Süd, Edeka Group, Lidl, Metro AG, and Rewe Group – were present, alongside representatives from major global retailers such as Amazon, Auchan, Carrefour, Costco, Lotte Shopping, Tesco, and Walmart.
Against this high-profile backdrop, the Ukrainian pavilion took a notable place. Over 100 Ukrainian companies presented their export potential, with one in five exhibitors representing the organic sector. This strong showing reflects the growing strategic importance of organic production in Ukraine’s agri-food exports.
Ukrainian companies showcased a wide range of certified organic products – from dairy, grains, nuts, and cereals to frozen berries, freeze-dried fruits, juices, instant porridges, and snacks.
They were presented within two collective stands as well as several individual booths. Despite the challenges of recent years, Ukrainian producers continue to innovate, refresh product lines, and explore new export markets.
Throughout the five days of the fair, Ukrainian exporters held thousands of B2B meetings with potential partners from around the world. Particular attention was drawn to their participation in the Anuga Organic Supermarket – a contemporary showcase of organic market trends. Ukrainian products fit seamlessly into the international context, demonstrating European-level quality, innovation, and sustainability.
A special role in representing the organic sector was played by the Anuga Organic on Stage program, dedicated to organic, plant-based food, and sustainability. The discussions covered key topics – from the EU goal of “25% organic production by 2030” and regulations on genetically modified organisms to the future of plant-based food, sustainability strategies, and innovation in the food industry. Speakers included representatives of the European Organic Academy, leading retailers, and policymakers, among them Germany’s Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer.
Ukraine was represented on this stage by Oleksii Grushetskyi, Acting Director of the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development, who spoke about the transformation of Ukraine’s organic sector under wartime conditions. He emphasized the resilience of businesses and their proactive efforts to maintain a presence in global markets through partnerships and international cooperation.
Two Ukrainian companies received special recognition as part of the Anuga Taste Innovation Show, a prestigious selection of the fair’s most innovative products. Out of more than 1,900 applications, the international jury chose 62 product innovations – including Panfruit Ukraine LLC (TM Panfruit) and Brain Box LLC (TM Hroom Room).
Panfruit’s freeze-dried ice cream with blueberry and bilberry even entered the fair’s Top 10. Although the product comes from the company’s non-organic line, we warmly congratulate the producer, which primarily specializes in organic goods.
For Ukrainian organic businesses, Anuga 2025 was not only a platform for building partnerships but also a recognition at the level of global trends.
They continue to integrate confidently into the international market, combining quality, creativity, and sustainability, and strengthening Ukraine’s image as a producer of modern, responsible food products.
Kateryna Shor, OrganicInfo.ua