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Unprocessed foods are driving a new transformation in the industry
Bogotá, D.C., May 2026. The way people consume food is changing globally, and Colombia is no exception. Today, more than just a trend, healthy eating (understood as the consumption of fresh and natural products) is establishing itself as one of the main drivers of growth in the food and beverage industry, driving profound transformations in sectors such as HORECA and retail.
This expansion reflects a structural shift in consumer behavior toward less processed foods, with more transparent production processes that highlight the value of the land and local production.
In fact, data from NielsenIQ (2023) shows that more than 64% of consumers globally say they try to buy healthier foods, while the Clean Label Project (2022) indicates that nearly 60% check labels before making purchasing decisions, prioritizing natural and easily understandable ingredients.
From Niche to Mainstream: The Shift in the Food Industry
What was once considered a premium or niche segment is now redefining the strategy of the entire industry. In the foodservice sector, meals based on fresh and unprocessed products have become a key differentiator.
According to Technomic (2023), more than 40% of consumers are willing to pay more for options perceived as healthy in restaurants, which has prompted establishments to reformulate their menus, prioritizing ingredients from known sources and more natural preparation methods.
In retail, the transformation is even more evident. According to Statista (2024), demand for fresh, minimally processed foods with attributes associated with well-being is growing steadily.
In Colombia, this evolution is also linked to the value of domestic agricultural production. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT, 2025), between January and July 2025, sectors such as coffee, cocoa, and palm oil reached exports to the European Union totaling USD 1.1299 billion, representing a 109% increase compared to 2024,
demonstrating the potential of Colombian agricultural products in markets that value origin, quality, and sustainability.
The relationship between food and well-being has become the main catalyst for this transformation. Today, consumers seek more than just better nutrition: they want to reconnect with the origin of what they consume, understand where it comes from, how it is produced, and what impact it has on their health and the environment.
“Today’s consumers are buying into well-being, health, and origin. These three factors have become decisive and are prompting the entire value chain—from supplier to plate—to rethink what is produced, how it is communicated, and the story behind each ingredient. Trade shows like Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia are the space where that transformation takes shape,” says Doris Chingaté, Project Manager at Corferias.
This consumer transformation also has implications for internationalization. Colombia’s export data confirms it: there is real demand abroad for what the industry produces at home. And the fair’s integration with Anuga Select Colombia turns this moment into a strategic opportunity for the region.
For his part, Alberto Almanza, Project Manager at Koelnmesse, puts into perspective what the integration with Anuga Select Colombia means: “Anuga is the oldest food and beverage trade show and one of the largest in the world. For industry insiders, the fact that Alimentec is now part of that family is major news. It’s a clear sign that this platform is now playing in a different league.”
He adds: “Latin America has an agri-food sector with real strengths that allow it to compete in demanding markets: origin, authenticity, and sustainable production. Colombia has demonstrated this with concrete export figures. What Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia does is provide an international showcase for that capability. Anuga’s support facilitates this dialogue with buyers and distributors who are actively seeking suppliers in the region and who view Colombia as a gateway to Latin America.”
Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026: Origin as the Cornerstone of Transformation
n this context, Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026 stands as the premier gathering to understand where the industry is headed. From June 9 to 12 at Corferias in Bogotá, the trade show will bring together key players in the food ecosystem to analyze trends, generate business, and connect supply with an increasingly conscious demand.
For this edition, one of the central themes will be the concept “Origin Matters,” a space that highlights food from its roots: what we produce in the country, farm work, the authenticity of ingredients, and the direct connection between producer and consumer.
More than just a trade show, Alimentec functions as a strategic barometer for the sector, where manufacturers, distributors, entrepreneurs from the HORECA and retail sectors, as well as technology and supply providers, can identify concrete opportunities in a market undergoing rapid transformation.
One of the key segments will be unprocessed and naturally sourced foods, which continue to gain prominence among buyers and industry professionals. From fresh fruits and vegetables to products with high nutritional standards, this category reflects a shift in consumer mindset and, at the same time, a new way of doing business, where origin has ceased to be a secondary attribute and has become the core of value.
“Alimentec is where the trends shaping the future of food come together. Industry changes aren’t just observed here—they’re shaped here,” concludes Doris Chingaté, Project Manager at Corferias.
Industry professionals interested in attending can pre-register at feriaalimentec.com and take part in the four-day Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026 event, June 9–12 at Corferias in Bogotá.
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ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
Koelnmesse - Trade fairs for the food industry: Koelnmesse, the Cologne Exhibition Center, is an international leader in organizing food-related trade fairs. Events such as Anuga and ISM are global leaders that are held in Cologne. In addition, Koelnmesse organizes numerous food trade fairs with different focuses and sector-specific content in key markets around the world, such as Brazil, China, India, Italy, Spain, Japan, Colombia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Through these global activities, Koelnmesse offers its clients tailored regional flagship events and trade fairs in various markets, ensuring sustained business on an international level. In the field of food technology, Koelnmesse is also optimally positioned with
its world-leading trade fairs Anuga FoodTec and ISM Manufacturing, as well as its global network that includes other trade fair events.
Corferias – Bogotá International Business and Exhibition Center: With over 70 years of experience, Corferias is Colombia’s leading exhibition venue and one of the most important in Latin America. Its mission is to promote business, social, and cultural development through trade shows, events, and conventions that drive innovation and economic activity in the region.
