The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Anuga FoodTec, a global trade fair for the food and beverage industries, has announced the appointment of Roland Thiemann as its new director.

Thiemann succeeds Matthias Schlüter, who has led the fair for 14 years and departed at the end of 2024 after a notable 24-year tenure with Koelnmesse.

Thiemann brings a wealth of experience from the international F&B sectors, having most recently served as an independent consultant in Australia and Germany.

His work focused on innovation, brand strategy development and sustainable packaging solutions – key areas of interest for manufacturers navigating today's market demands.

Notably, during his time at Modus Brewing in Australia, Thiemann spearheaded the introduction of innovative products, including advancements in non-alcoholic beer and the application of artificial intelligence in beer creation.

His dual expertise in technology and strategic branding positions him well to lead Anuga FoodTec towards continued evolution and relevance in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

In his vision for Anuga FoodTec, Thiemann said: "With its international presence and focus on trend-setting themes, Anuga FoodTec is crucial for our sector. I look forward to enhancing this role and introducing new initiatives that will benefit industry stakeholders."

Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse, added: "Under Thiemann’s direction, we anticipate a deeper exploration of themes such as sustainability, alternative protein sources, energy efficiency, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Anuga FoodTec is set to maintain its position as an indispensable hub for innovation and networking."

The next Anuga FoodTec is scheduled for February 23-26, 2027, and will continue to serve as a meeting point for industry professionals seeking to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Koelnmesse, which organises multiple trade fairs for food technology, also hosts events such as ProSweets Cologne and international trade fairs in markets like India, Italy and Colombia.

#AnugaFoodTec #Koelmesse #appointment #Germany #event