At the beginning of 2022, exhibitors and visitors once again emphasize the need to meet for their international live event: on site and for in-person encounters. The registration status for IFFA, leading trade fair for Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins, from May 14 to 19 in Frankfurt am Main, is very good. Messe Frankfurt is expecting more than 900 exhibiting companies from all over the world. The expected exhibition area, which will again cover Halls 8, 9, 11 and 12, is on a par with the previous event. The exhibitors will be showing innovations for the entire protein processing chain. In addition to meat products, IFFA is for the first time setting a special focus on ingredients and manufacturing processes for plantbased proteins, thus providing a professional platform for this fast-growing segment.
Peter Feldmann, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Frankfurt, emphasizes the importance of trade fairs: “The registration figures for IFFA are a strong signal for Frankfurt as a trade show location! They show us: Messe Frankfurt was, is and will remain world class – despite the cut caused by the Corona pandemic. Without Messe Frankfurt, the Frankfurt we have known and loved for centuries would not exist. Through trade fairs, internationality and diversity have become part of our DNA. And: Messe Frankfurt is the place for the topics of the future. For example more and more people are opting for a meat-free or low-meat diet. It’s good that IFFA is embracing this trend.”
Strong industry – positive expectations for IFFA
Klaus Schröter, Managing Director of Schröter Technologie GmbH & Co. KG and Chairman of the Meat Processing Machinery Division of VDMA, confirms: “There is a huge need in the industry of getting together in person. On behalf of the exhibitors, I would like to emphasize that we need IFFA to be a strong international platform this year and we are looking forward to presenting our innovations to the trade audience. With the new topic of alternative proteins, the world’s leading trade fair is also experiencing an important realignment and a push towards the future.” For the IFFA year 2022, the food machinery sector expects even higher sales growth than in 2021, partly because existing orders from 2021 will be converted into sales this year. On the other hand, the continuing good demand, the strong trend towards automation and digitalization, as well as product innovations give every reason to have positive expectations for the world’s leading trade show.”
Well prepared – safe participation
In these volatile pandemic times, good preparation for trade show participation is more important than ever. “IFFA offers a safe environment for contacts, business and inspiration,” says Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt. “Our protection and hygiene concept, which has been coordinated with the authorities, has already been used successfully at many in-person events. And as is the case everywhere, those who are vaccinated and boosted have the greatest possible freedom of action.”
A modern exhibition center provides optimal facilities for a safe face-to-face B2B meeting. Access is fully controlled, which means that all participants are personally registered and their vaccination or convalescent status or even tests are checked. The exhibition halls are supplied with 100 percent fresh air by modern ventilation systems. Due to the large room volumes and high air exchange rates of up to five times per hour, aerosols are constantly diluted and removed. Clearances and hygiene measures are professionally planned and controlled.
IFFA will be held from 14 to 19 May 2022.