In short
Anuga is split into specialist trade shows by product category, so a stand should be designed for the buyers in its hall: tasting and sampling for the product, chilled or frozen display where needed, and seated tables for import and listing discussions. Start a custom stand about 6–9 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Cologne, every two years, in October (odd years).
- The audience is mostly retail and wholesale buyers.
- Display matched to the product: chilled counters, freezers or ambient shelving.
- Sampling with prep, water and waste behind a counter.
- Plan a custom stand about 6–9 months before the show.
Anuga for exhibitors
Anuga at Koelnmesse alternates with SIAL Paris and organises its halls into themed shows such as fine food, drinks, meat, dairy, frozen and organic. International pavilions are common, and the audience is professional only.
| Anuga | |
|---|---|
| City | Cologne |
| Venue | Koelnmesse |
| Sector | Food and beverage |
| Cycle | Every two years, in October (odd years) |
| Main stand activity | Tasting and sampling |
| Custom stand lead time | 6–9 months |
Who you are designing for
Retail and wholesale buyers, importers and food service decision-makers from around the world.
What matters most on a Anuga stand:
- Display matched to the product: chilled counters, freezers or ambient shelving.
- Sampling with prep, water and waste behind a counter.
- Buyer tables with specification sheets and certifications.
- Clear hall-appropriate positioning so the right buyers stop.
Layouts for tasting and sampling, by stand type
Most Anuga exhibitors build around tasting and sampling. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | A sampling counter on the aisle edge with prep space and bins behind it, and stock in a small store. |
| Corner | 2 | A tasting bar along one aisle and display shelving along the other, store in the closed corner. |
| Peninsula | 3 | A bar on the front edge, seated buyer tables inside and a kitchen or store against the back wall. |
| Island | 4 | A central bar or kitchen island, buyer seating on the quieter sides and an enclosed prep room with water. |
Stand ideas for Anuga
- Chilled or frozen display counters matched to the hall's product category.
- A tasting point with clearly labelled allergens and certifications.
- Buyer tables with specification sheets for importers.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Refrigerated display needs power planned from the start. Cologne hotels fill fast during Anuga; book early.
Allow about 6–9 months for a custom stand. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Mistakes we see at Anuga
- Underestimating power for fridges and freezers.
- Graphics only in one language for an international buyer audience.
Try your Anuga layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about tasting and sampling into an editable 3D stand for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01How often is Anuga held?
Every two years, in October of odd-numbered years, alternating with SIAL Paris. Confirm dates on the official site.
02Which hall should I be in?
The one matching your product category: Anuga's themed shows bring the right buyers to each hall. Being in the wrong one costs you relevant traffic.
03How early should I start designing a Anuga stand?
For a custom stand, about 6–9 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my Anuga stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, tasting and sampling area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
