Introduction

Anuga FoodTec 2027 takes place February 23–26 in Cologne, Germany. Koelnmesse lists January 12, 2027, as the deadline for submitting stand construction plans. However, its technical guidance suggests an earlier submission date. Exhibitors should confirm their approval schedule before finalizing the design.

For machinery exhibitors, planning starts well before construction. Equipment dimensions, floor loads, utility connections, and delivery access all affect the stand layout. This guide covers the key deadlines, technical requirements, and practical decisions involved in preparing an exhibition stand for Anuga FoodTec 2027.

Key Takeaways for Exhibitors

• Anuga FoodTec 2027 runs February 23–26 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.
• Standard stand construction begins February 15 and must finish by 8:00 p.m. on February 22.
• Koelnmesse lists January 12 as the construction plan deadline. Its technical guidance also requires submission at least 6 weeks before construction. Confirm which date applies to your stand.
• Machinery exhibitors should confirm equipment weights, power requirements, compressed air, and drainage before approving the layout.
• Early construction access is available for an additional fee, depending on the exhibition hall

Understanding Anuga FoodTec 2027

Anuga FoodTec is an international trade fair for food and beverage technology. The event brings together manufacturers, equipment suppliers, technology providers, and industry professionals involved in food production and processing.

The 2027 edition takes place at Koelnmesse across halls 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.1.

The exhibition covers several industry segments:

• Food Processing
• Food Packaging
• Automation
• Digitalization
• Intralogistics
• Safety & Analytics
• Environment & Energy
• Science & Pioneering
• Pet Food Zone

According to the official Anuga FoodTec figures, the 2024 edition attracted 1,307 exhibitors and 38,427 visitors from 133 countries.

For the 2027 edition, organizers reported that more than two thirds of the exhibition area had already been allocated. Approximately 75% of applications received at the time came from companies that exhibited in 2024.

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These figures matter when planning your stand. Returning exhibitors often understand the venue requirements and have established exhibition formats. New exhibitors should allow enough time to finalize their stand specifications and secure construction services.

Exhibition Dates and Opening Hours

Anuga FoodTec 2027 runs from February 23–26.

Visitor opening hours:

• February 23–25: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• February 26: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Exhibitors can access the exhibition halls from 8:00 a.m.

Source: Official Anuga FoodTec Facts and Figures.

Choose Your Exhibition Stand Location

Your hall allocation affects how visitors approach your stand. Before developing the design, review the official floor plan and identify the entrances, surrounding exhibitors, and available aisle access.

For machinery manufacturers, equipment visibility is a priority. Visitors need enough room to inspect the machine without blocking the aisle or interfering with a demonstration.

Software and automation exhibitors face different requirements. A large screen alone rarely explains a complex technical product. Visitors need a demonstration area where staff can show the system and answer specific questions.

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Review Your Hall Allocation

Once Koelnmesse confirms your stand position, check the following:

• Main entrances and visitor routes near your stand
• Adjacent exhibitors and their likely display areas
• Number of open sides facing the aisles
• Access routes for machinery and large equipment
• Available space for demonstrations and meetings

The number of open sides determines the basic stand configuration. However, the right layout depends on the equipment you intend to display.

A processing machine that visitors need to inspect from several angles requires more circulation space than a software demonstration station.

Important Anuga FoodTec 2027 Deadlines

Exhibition construction involves several approval and service deadlines. Missing a technical ordering date can delay installation or require changes to the stand design.

Koelnmesse has published the following schedule.

Exhibitors should confirm these dates through the official Koelnmesse exhibitor documents.

Confirm Technical Services Before December

The December 21 deadline deserves particular attention from machinery exhibitors.

Equipment requiring compressed air, exhaust systems, or overhead suspension needs technical planning before this date.

Your engineering team should provide the specifications before the stand builder completes the construction drawings.

For example, a packaging machine requiring compressed air needs a confirmed connection point. Its position affects the equipment layout and the routing of services.

Waiting until January to identify these requirements creates avoidable problems during construction.

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Check Construction Plan Submission Dates

Koelnmesse lists January 12, 2027, as the deadline for submitting stand construction plans.

However, the accompanying guidance states that plans must reach the organizer at least 6 weeks before construction begins.

With standard construction starting February 15, that guidance points to approximately January 4.

Exhibitors should confirm the applicable deadline directly with the Koelnmesse event technology and permits team.

Construction plans use the Delegatis platform. Koelnmesse provides exhibitors with an individual questionnaire link.

Before submitting the design, confirm the permitted stand height and any technical restrictions affecting your allocated space.

Plan Dismantling Around Official Hours

Koelnmesse prohibits exhibitors from clearing their stands before 4:00 p.m. on February 26.

Violations can result in contractual penalties of up to €5,000.

Schedule your dismantling crew and freight collection accordingly. Trucks can enter the exhibition grounds from 6:00 p.m. on the final show day.

Do not arrange equipment collection based solely on the exhibition closing time.

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Early Construction Access at Koelnmesse

Some exhibition stands require additional installation time. Koelnmesse offers early construction access for exhibitors who need to begin before the standard construction period.

The available dates depend on the hall.

Early access continues through February 14.

Koelnmesse charges €1,575 plus VAT per day, per exhibitor, per hall level.

For example, 4 additional construction days cost €6,300 plus VAT.

That is a substantial expense. Your construction schedule should justify it.

When Early Construction Makes Sense

Additional installation time is worth considering for large or technically demanding stands.

Examples include:

• Exhibition structures with 2 levels
• Heavy machinery requiring crane or forklift positioning
• Complex installations involving several specialist contractors
• Large stands requiring extensive electrical or mechanical work

A standard modular stand that takes 2 days to assemble generally does not justify several additional construction days.

Ask your stand builder for a detailed installation schedule before approving the expense.

Koelnmesse also requires eSlot bookings for early access. Freight lifts in halls 4, 5, and 10 are available only upon request.

Early construction takes place at the exhibitor's own risk.

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Design Your Stand Around Equipment

Machinery exhibitors should start with the equipment rather than the stand finishes.

A large processing machine can occupy most of the available floor area. Once visitors and staff gather around it, the remaining space can become difficult to use.

The design must account for the machine's operating area and safe visitor access.

Different product categories require different exhibition layouts.

Processing and Packaging Machinery

Running machinery attracts attention because visitors can see the equipment perform its intended function.

However, live demonstrations require more than floor space.

Confirm the electrical supply and any compressed air requirements. Check whether the equipment needs drainage or additional safety barriers.

If operating the complete machine is impractical, consider displaying a working component or an exposed section of the mechanism.

For example, a packaging equipment manufacturer could show a functioning sealing module instead of transporting an entire production line.

The demonstration should help buyers understand how the equipment works.

Leave enough space for visitors to observe without standing in the operating area.

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Automation and Industrial Software Displays

Automation and software products require a different approach.

Visitors cannot judge a control system simply by looking at a screen showing the company logo.

Use a working demonstration that shows the product performing a specific task.

An industrial automation supplier might connect a sensor to a display and show how the system records production data.

Software exhibitors can use sample production data to explain reporting functions and system performance.

Provide a separate meeting area for detailed technical discussions.

Buyers evaluating industrial software often need time to discuss compatibility and implementation requirements.

Packaging Materials and Product Samples

Packaging exhibitors should make samples easy to inspect.

Buyers often want to compare materials and examine finishes before discussing specifications.

Use accessible shelving and organized display surfaces.

Place samples where visitors can handle them without interrupting another conversation.

If the product requires a practical demonstration, provide a dedicated counter.

For food packaging materials, keep sample displays separate from equipment operating areas.

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Provide Space for Technical Meetings

Technical exhibitions involve detailed buying discussions.

Visitors often arrive with questions about production capacity, operating requirements, and equipment compatibility.

Provide seating where your team can review specifications without competing with nearby demonstrations.

For a smaller stand, a compact meeting table may be sufficient.

Larger stands can accommodate enclosed meeting rooms for discussions requiring more privacy.

Confirm Venue Requirements Before Designing

Koelnmesse's technical guidelines affect what exhibitors can construct inside each hall.

Before approving the stand design, request confirmation of the following requirements.

• Maximum permitted stand height
• Floor load capacity at your allocated position
• Freight entrance dimensions and equipment access
• Availability of suitable freight lifts
• Compressed air and drainage connections
• Electrical supply capacity
• Fire protection requirements for construction materials
• Approval requirements for suspended structures

These details are particularly important for exhibitors transporting heavy processing or packaging machinery.

For example, a machine weighing several tons requires confirmation that the allocated floor area can support its weight.

The stand builder also needs the machine's dimensions and packaging specifications to plan unloading and positioning.

Consult the official Koelnmesse technical guidelines and Service Shop for requirements specific to your stand.

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Choose an Experienced Stand Builder

Exhibitors can work with Koelnmesse's official service partners or appoint an independent exhibition stand builder.

For machinery exhibitions, relevant venue experience matters.

A builder familiar with Koelnmesse understands the construction approval process and the practical restrictions of working inside its exhibition halls.

However, previous experience at the venue does not replace checking the current event regulations.

Ask prospective builders how they plan to handle equipment positioning and technical service connections.

Prepare a Detailed Construction Brief

A useful stand brief should contain enough information for the builder to develop a practical layout and estimate construction costs.

Provide the following details:

• Confirmed exhibition hall and stand number
• Stand dimensions and open sides
• Equipment dimensions and individual weights
• Electrical and mechanical requirements
• Number of staff attending the exhibition
• Product demonstration requirements
• Meeting and storage requirements
• Available construction budget
• Expected delivery and installation schedule

Include technical drawings when available.

A machinery manufacturer should also provide equipment packaging dimensions. The builder needs these to assess unloading access and installation requirements.

Do not expect an accurate construction quote from a company logo and a few reference images.

The more complete the brief, the fewer assumptions the builder needs to make.

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Your Anuga FoodTec 2027 Planning Timeline

With Anuga FoodTec approaching, exhibitors should organize the remaining work around the official deadlines.

The following schedule provides a practical sequence for design, approvals, and construction.

October to Mid November 2026

Confirm your exhibition space and stand configuration.

Prepare the construction brief and collect the technical specifications for all display equipment.

Identify any machinery that requires special installation equipment or additional services.

Mid November to December 2026

Select your exhibition stand builder and approve the initial layout.

Review the equipment positions with your engineering team.

Finalize requirements for compressed air, exhaust systems, and suspended structures before the December 21 deadline.

Book the necessary eSlots once reservations open on December 15.

Early January 2027

Complete the construction drawings and submit them for approval.

Confirm the submission deadline with Koelnmesse, particularly where the 6 week requirement applies.

Resolve technical comments before releasing the design for production.

January 2027

Finalize graphics and construction specifications.

Complete the remaining Service Shop orders by January 18.

Arrange any required fire protection services before January 26.

Confirm freight arrangements and installation responsibilities with your contractors.

February 2027

Use early construction access only if your installation schedule requires it.

Standard construction begins February 15 and ends February 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Check the completed stand before the exhibition opens. Test machinery connections and confirm that demonstration areas operate as planned.

February 23–26, 2027

Operate your stand during the official exhibition hours.

Keep technical staff available for equipment demonstrations and detailed product discussions.

Begin dismantling only after the permitted time on February 26.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Anuga FoodTec

Where is Anuga FoodTec 2027 held?

Anuga FoodTec 2027 takes place at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. The exhibition uses multiple halls across the venue. Your stand confirmation identifies the hall and location allocated to your company.

What is the minimum exhibition space?

Koelnmesse lists a minimum stand size of 12 m². However, exhibitors displaying industrial machinery should calculate their space requirements using the equipment footprint and the room needed for safe access.

Are early booking rates available?

No. The Early Bird deadline passed on February 10, 2026. Exhibitors applying now should contact Koelnmesse to confirm the current application conditions and remaining space options.

Can exhibitors appoint independent stand builders?

Yes. Exhibitors can appoint their own construction contractors. The appointed builder must follow Koelnmesse's technical regulations and complete the required approval procedures.

Do machinery exhibitors need special approvals?

Approval requirements depend on the equipment and stand design. Heavy machinery, suspended structures, and certain technical installations can require additional documentation. Confirm the applicable requirements with Koelnmesse before construction.

What should exhibitors provide for construction planning?

Send your builder the stand dimensions and equipment specifications. Include your technical service requirements, demonstration plans, and installation schedule. These details help the contractor prepare a practical design and coordinate the construction work.

Start Planning Your Exhibition Stand

Anuga FoodTec 2027 is approaching, and several important technical deadlines fall before the end of December.

Start by confirming your stand allocation and preparing a complete equipment list. Share the specifications with your engineering team and exhibition stand builder before finalizing the layout.

For machinery exhibitors, early technical planning prevents expensive design changes during installation.

10x10 Booths brings over 10 years of exhibition delivery experience, with more than 200 shows built across the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Our team designs and builds exhibition stands around the products exhibitors need to display. We consider equipment dimensions, visitor access, demonstration requirements, and meeting areas from the beginning.

If you are preparing to exhibit at Anuga FoodTec 2027, contact 10x10 Booths to discuss your stand design and construction requirements.

Source Information: Exhibition dates, technical deadlines, and venue requirements are based on official Anuga FoodTec and Koelnmesse information accessed October 22, 2026. Confirm current approval requirements and deadlines with the organizer before committing to construction or service orders.

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