The drinks and hot beverages markets are showing clear growth dynamics, according to the organisers of the leading trade fair for the global food industry, Anuga.

Anuga will take place in Cologne from 4 to 8 October 2025, with Anuga Drinks and Anuga Hot Beverages key aspects of the event. With just under 530 exhibitors participating in Anuga Drinks and over 140 exhibitors in Anuga Hot Beverages, both segments are recording a strong participation, say organisers, and there are also numerous innovative and young companies in the Start-up Area.

More than just a thirst quencher 

Anuga Drinks is a good example for the transformation of the global beverage industry. Its spectrum ranges from refreshments that are rich in vitamins and minerals, to high-fibre hydration solutions, through to creative alcohol-free alternatives. All of these developments react to an increasing need for holistic wellbeing – a trend that the data of Anuga’s knowledge partner, Innova Market Insights, confirms.

In this way, the global market for soft drinks and sports drinks recorded an annual average growth rate of 22% between 2021 and 2023. Beverages that combine hydration with ‘beauty benefits’ have registered particularly strong growth, for example with added skin care ingredients – this segment achieves a CAGR of 109%. 

The transformation is also noticeable in the product range: Functional ingredients like vitamins, minerals and fibre are becoming an integral part of many new beverage products. Drinks rich in vitamin are displaying around 10% growth annually, high-fibre products about 18%. This is enhanced by limited editions and brand cooperations that have generated an increasing amount of attention over the past five years with a CAGR of 17% – especially in the iced tea segment that grows by 44% annually.

Consumer behaviour is also changing: 37% of the consumers worldwide are consciously reducing their alcohol consumption. The demand for alcohol-free cocktails and aromatised mixed drinks is correspondingly high – with a 26% CAGR between 2019 and 2023. 

Taste, diversity and global impulses 

Anuga Hot Beverages is also positioning itself as a display window for quality, taste and sustainability in the hot beverage section. Tastings, special presentations and networking offers provide scope for an exchange and inspiration.

The trade show is profiting from growing global interest: Between 2019 and 2023 the average annual growth rate on the hot beverages market was 3%. There is particularly high innovative power in Asia, which accounts for 30% of all new launches worldwide. Followed by Western Europe with 28%, Africa and the Middle East with growths of 16% and 7%, respectively. In Asia, China, India and Japan are recording double-digit growth rates (18%, 10% and 4%). 

Tea remains the leading category regarding new launches (46%), while coffee is catching up and is growing by an annual rate of 4% -much more dynamically than tea (1%). Alternative categories like malt and other hot beverages are also expanding, with a growth rate of 7%.

Hot beverages are increasingly used for a conscious time-out: 28% of the respondents worldwide state that they implement coffee, tea or hot chocolate specifically for enjoyment purposes. Natural ingredients are gaining significance here: “Made from real ingredients”/“natural” is the most important buying incentive at 28% for tea and 25% for coffee. “Organic” is the most frequently used health claim (16%), whilst “plant-based” hot beverages is the fastest growing category with an annual growth rate of 48%.

Dynamic duo with a clear focus 

With this clear thematic alignment, high level of innovation and a strong global presence, in 2025 Anuga Drinks and Anuga Hot Beverages are positioning themselves as pacesetters for the industry.

Embedded in the overall concept of Anuga with ten trade shows under one roof, they offer a central platform for orientation, business and shaping the future. 

Find out more about Anuga 2025 here.