Tasting the future at Germany's Anuga food trade fair
Anuga, the world's largest food fair, kicked off this weekend in Cologne. Exhibitors are trying to tickle the taste buds of tomorrow, with many using protein-based products — as well as some rather unusual ingredients.
Do you like your crickets sweet or sour?
This tempting-looking finger food has a surprising secret ingredient: crickets. Pop Bugs are a new product from Micarna, a Swiss food company that specializes in meat, poultery, and fish, among other things. The 2017 Anuga food trade fair highlighted alternatives to energy-intensive meat products. Insects are one such option, even if they are foreign to many western taste buds.
The superfoods trend
Goji berries, pomegranates and noni: Fruits, many exotic, to which magical powers are often attested are enjoying ever greater sales. Food producers have recognized the trend and have put their energy into developing new creations, like this marmalade with chia seeds, oranges and ginger.
'Ready to eat' sweets
High-calorie treats can also be found at Anuga. This Flamingo Cheese Cake with marshmallows is sold in small packages and is designed to be eaten immediately. Such "ready to eat" treats make up the majority of products being offered by the fair's 7,400 exhibitors.
Algae and insects
Seaweed cookies? Why not! The food spectrum is constantly expanding, according to the Anuga press department. This year, a number of products also feature ingredients made from insects. Other new ingredients include birch sap.
Power drinks
Camel milk helps endurance. At least that is what the purveyor of this drink promises. Honey, ginseng and guarana are also touted as doing the same. Smoothies are still trendy, too. Several producers are offering instant mixes that can be prepared at home by simply adding water.
Protein until the cows come home
Protein, lots of protein, either with or without meat, as is the case with this Indian vegan variation. Protein in every possible form is a major focus of this year's Anuga, according to the press department. Organic products, too, continue to enjoy great success. Last year sales of organic products grew by €6 billion ($7 billion), putting them squarely into the mainstream.
Clear skies ahead for the food industry
Despite a sharp rise in butter prices this year, experts say the outlook for the food industry is good. They add that all indications point to an increase in sales for 2017. Exhibitors at the Anuga fair will have until October 11 to raise their glasses and toast their success — perhaps with these jars? They contain yet another novelty: whiskey-flavored pickles.