The taste of the future

Many people are suspicious of the green-brown aquatic plants when swimming in the sea or lake. But in the kitchen, algae are true all-rounders. Chef Daniel Schade demonstrated this on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in the show kitchen at the stand of the Federation of the German Food Industry (BVE) and the German Food Association. He mixed a healthy shake from cashew nuts and blue spirulina powder. In the pan, he sautéed wakame seaweed and mushrooms to make an Asian salad. Next to him: Kirstin Knufmann and Jörg Ullmann. The couple run one of the largest algae farms in Europe in Saxony-Anhalt and have written several books about the nutrient-rich superfood. But algae are not just for health freaks. “Most people don't even know that algae are already used in many foods today, whether as a colorant or gelling agent,” says Jörg Ullmann. They could become even more important in the future, for example in a meat-free diet.

Important knowledge

“Future tastes good” is the motto of this year's stand. Over the next few days, there will always be a different topic to cook and chat about, be it vegan nutrition or social initiatives such as food banks. At the weekend at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., the show kitchen will be buzzing with activity, while during the week the BVE will be welcoming school classes at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. They can test their nutritional knowledge in interactive quizzes. How does food get from the field to the plate? What do people eat in other European countries? How can food waste be avoided? “At our digital 'little table', guests place food on their plate and see the nutritional values such as protein or fat displayed on the screen - and the number of kilometers they have cycled to burn off the calories,” explains press officer Manon Struck-Pacyna. A 3D photo wall invites guests to take souvenir photos, which they can print out on the spot.

Strong partnerships

The zur Mühlen Group will be represented with a stand throughout the trade fair. It stands for meat and sausage products, but also for vegan alternatives. On Monday, January 20, 2025, the company Mondelēz will be a guest. In Germany, for example, the company has been producing the Milka brand at its chocolate factory in Lörrach, Baden-Württemberg, and the Philadelphia brand in Bad Fallingbostel, Lower Saxony, for over 140 years. On Partner Day, there will be cooking shows with the company's own products, hands-on activities and products to try. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Coca-Cola Germany will present its drinks with more or fewer calories and talk about new trends in the product range. The last weekend (January 25 and 26, 2025) will be all about start-ups. The business ideas range from organic baby food and energy chewing gum to crackers made from saved vegetables.