Anuga launches foodservice tradeshow
"More and more often people are eating their meals in canteens and restaurants, at school, in the workplace and 'on the go'," said Peter Grothues, vice president of the food, technology & environment business unit at Koelnmesse the show's organiser.
"That's why the foodservice distribution channel has become increasingly relevant."
Anuga 2011 takes place from October 812 in Cologne. This year will see around 6,500 exhibitors presenting products from 100 countries.
British participation in the show was described as "constant", with 135 UK food manufacturers exhibiting products in 2009.
Opportunities for UK exporters lay in affluent markets such as Ireland, France, the US, Spain and Germany, according to Sandra Sullivan of trade promoter PS8. She said buyers from affluent countries primarily wanted new products such as creative new drinks and snacks.
"In Asia there's a demand for traditional UK products, such as shortbread," she said.
Changes in the German retail market should help UK exporters, according to Michael Gerling, md of the German Retail Grocery Association. "It's not just about the discount stores such as Lidl and Aldi," he said. "Supermarkets know how to compete with them now, and the discounters' market share has fallen from 45% to 40%"
Gerling said this was good news for exporters, as it meant that retailers wanted a "deeper assortment" of food products on their shelves.
"Supermarkets want products with a story behind them," he said. "Whether it's food produced by the local farmer, or a north London processor that's been in business for 20 years."
The UK exported euro 875M of processed food to Germany in 2010. Total UK exports (including alcohol) were up by 12.2% to £16.1bn in 2010. In food and non-alcoholic beverages, exports were up 11.5%, breaking £10bn for the first time (£10.83bn).
