IFFA 2025: Innovation Meets Inspiration in the Meat and Protein Industry

As a leading international trade fair, IFFA will provide a comprehensive overview of the entire value chain, from processing and packaging to innovative ingredients and the latest point-of-sale trends. With exhibition halls already well booked and key market leaders confirming participation, the event will highlight maximum performance, value creation through data, sustainability, and new product developments.

Messe Frankfurt expects approximately 1,000 exhibitors from around 50 countries to present cutting-edge technologies, machinery, and solutions across 116,000 square meters of exhibition space in Halls 8, 9, 11, and 12. These exhibitors range from market leaders to specialist companies and start-ups. Large contingents from the USA, Brazil, China, and across Europe will be present, ensuring a truly global representation.

A newly structured hall layout will enhance connectivity across production stages. IFFA Worlds, an innovative segmentation of the trade fair, will provide clarity by categorising exhibitors into five key areas:

• World of Processing: Solutions for safe and efficient meat and protein processing.
• World of Packaging: Innovations to protect, preserve, and display food.
• World of Ingredients: Key elements for flavour, texture, and quality.
• World of New Proteins: Technologies and research for meat alternatives.
• World of Skills and Sales: Knowledge and skills for the meat trade.

With 71% of attendees coming from outside Germany and visitors from around 150 countries, IFFA is the industry’s most international event. Key visitor nations include the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, the USA, Brazil, Austria, the UK, and Switzerland. Professionals from the protein processing industry, butchers’ trade, food sector, and catering industries will gather to explore innovations and opportunities.

Industry Outlook and Challenges

Global trade in meat-processing machinery reached a record high of €2.7 billion in 2023, with demand expected to remain strong in 2024. However, the industry faces challenges such as economic fluctuations, rising costs for energy and raw materials, and a labour shortage. Richard Clemens, CEO of VDMA NuV, emphasises IFFA’s role in addressing these challenges by showcasing cutting-edge technologies that cater to a dynamic and evolving market.

For the butchers’ trade, automation is increasingly critical. Herbert Dohrmann, President of the German Butchers’ Association, highlights IFFA as a vital event for identifying solutions to sustainability concerns, changing dietary habits, labour shortages, and technological advancements.

Key Themes for 2025

1. Maximising Performance: Utilising AI, robotics, and sensors to improve efficiency.
2. Data-Driven Value Creation: Optimising production with comprehensive data integration.
3. Sustainability: Enhancing energy efficiency and adopting eco-friendly packaging.
4. Expanding Protein Diversity: Advancing new protein sources for a growing global population.

Event Highlights

IFFA 2025 will feature live demonstrations at the IFFA Kitchen, production solutions at the IFFA Factory, guided Discovery Tours, and quality competitions organised by the German Butchers’ Association. The event will also celebrate industry achievements with the ‘Butcher of the Year 2025’ award and the ‘New Meat Award’.

Messe Frankfurt supports the food industry through trade fairs across Argentina, Thailand, the USA, and Germany, fostering innovation and global networking. More details on IFFA 2025 can be found at www.iffa.com.

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