The close of the 2025 Anuga fair left an encouraging outlook for Argentina’s meat industry. Hugo Borrell, CEO of Arrebeef, highlighted from Cologne the strong interest shown by international buyers and the opportunities arising from limited beef supply in Europe and the United States.

Speaking from the Anuga 2025 fair, Pablo Avero, of Frigorífico Saturno, confirmed that plans to reactivate Frigorífico Florida are progressing well and that the plant could resume operations before the end of the year. “We have good expectations of getting everything finalized this year, and if we don’t manage to start slaughtering in December, we’ll definitely be operating in January,” he said.

“Few, but good,” summarized a regional trader when assessing the 2025 edition of the Anuga fair in Cologne, Germany. He was referring mainly to the number of visitors —not as overwhelming as in previous editions— but made up of genuine market operators showing real interest in beef.

Speaking from the Anuga 2025 fair, Marcelo Secco, head of MBRF in Uruguay, highlighted the dynamism of the global meat market and Uruguay’s strategic role in global supply. “It’s been a good fair, showing clear signs of consolidation. There’s a stronger presence of major importers, growth in the grainfed beef business, and a multiprotein trend among distributors,” he summarized.

Producer and Rural Federation representative at INAC, Joaquín Martinicorena—also a leading sheep producer from Salto—stated at the Anuga 2025 fair that Uruguay’s sheepmeat industry is at a turning point. “We have to recognize that we’ve hit bottom. It’s time for processors and producers to work together on a plan or mechanism with minimum prices, similar to what was once the heavy lamb program,” he said.

Speaking with WBR from Anuga, Sebastián Wall, General Manager of Frigochaco in Paraguay, analyzed the current situation of the international beef market, the outlook for expanding into new destinations, and the impact of the regional political and commercial context.

The Aberdeen Angus Breeders’ Society of Uruguay (SCAAU) is once again taking part in the Anuga international trade fair in Germany, accompanying the Uruguayan meat industry and strengthening the presence of the Angus breed on leading international stages. Its general manager, Matías Fuentes, emphasized that the organization’s participation aims to “support export-oriented packing plants—most of which are users of the Angus Beef Certification Program—and to show who we are and how we work in Uruguay.”

At a time when slaughter shows signs of slowing and industrial margins are becoming increasingly tight, Eduardo Urgal, director of the San Jacinto meat plant and representative of CIF on INAC’s Board, explained that one of the main components of beef prices today is not only supply or demand, but expectations.

The 2025 Anuga fair left a highly positive balance for Argentina’s meat industry. This was the assessment of Martín Costantini, president of Frigorífico Rioplatense, one of the country’s main export plants, who highlighted the sustained interest from international buyers. “There’s very strong demand—not only in Europe but also in the United States, China, and almost all global markets. We’re leaving with a very good impression and solid results,” he said.

The strike at the Port of Montevideo has had a strong impact on Uruguay’s logistics operations, with canceled shipments and rising costs already directly affecting beef exports. “We’ve had to cancel two vessels and are waiting to decide whether to cancel a third,” said Pablo Domínguez, general manager of ONE (Ocean Network Express) in Uruguay, speaking from the Anuga fair in Germany.

Grupo Concepción looks to the near future of the beef business with optimism. In an interview with WBR during the Anuga international trade fair, Carlos Frederico, a member of the group, emphasized that “prospects for 2026 are better than those for 2025,” in a context of strong global demand and new markets opening.

Speaking with WBR during the Anuga trade fair, Randy Ross, president of the Paraguayan Meat Chamber, highlighted the country’s growing position as a global protein supplier. “Today, Paraguay is an important player in the global beef market, and it is also making strong inroads into pork and poultry production,” he said.

The Anuga fair once again proved why it is the world’s leading barometer for the meat industry. Amid halls filled with buyers, importers, and global trade representatives, Uruguay maintained a prominent presence through the stand of the National Meat Institute (INAC), where optimism about global demand mixed with recognition of the industry’s current challenges.

Argentina’s presence at Anuga 2025 marked a turning point for the country’s beef industry. With international prices at historic highs and the temporary elimination of export taxes, the sector arrived at the Cologne fair amid an atmosphere of enthusiasm and cautious optimism.

The official presentation of MBRF on the international stage marked the completion of the merger between Marfrig and BRF —one of the most significant corporate operations of the year in the global protein business. Its CEO, Miguel Gularte, explained that the new company emerges with unprecedented scope: “It is a protein company with revenues of R$ 160 billion, presence in multiple geographies, and more than 420,000 clients around the world.”

As expected, Sunday brought larger crowds to the Kölnmesse exhibition center, where the Anuga trade fair is being held. If everything continues as usual, Monday and part of Tuesday are expected to be the busiest days of the event.

With an integrated structure across the region, a strong focus on added value, and a diversified commercial strategy, MBRF seeks to consolidate its leadership as the largest protein group in the Southern Cone, taking advantage of the historic moment for beef in international markets.

Jorge Jópez, principal of Abasto Santa Clara

How do you see the current moment of the international market in this type of event, such as the Anuga fair, where you can meet different players just a few meters apart?

This year I was particularly interested in coming to the fair to refresh relationships with suppliers —sometimes from abroad and sometimes with Uruguayans themselves— since at these events you can have interactions that are harder to get back home.

Frigorífico Clay, located near San Jacinto in the department of Canelones, is recognized as Uruguay’s leading horsemeat processing plant. However, in recent weeks the company has taken a new step in its history: it began processing beef, adding a new line of activity that complements its traditional operation.

In its first appearance at the Anuga trade fair, Los Lazos officially introduced itself to the international market as a new player in Paraguay’s beef industry, with a proposal that combines genetics, quality, and a strong focus on differentiation.

Attendance at Anuga on Sunday is expected to be slightly higher than on Saturday, as is usually the case. However, a major event will affect traffic across the city, including the fairgrounds: the Cologne Marathon.

Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Australia, Ireland, and several beef and lamb exporters from other origins —including Poland and Chile— are exhibiting in Hall 6 at this year’s Anuga fair. There are also stands from several European importers.

The 2025 edition of the Anuga trade fair began this Saturday amid a heavy storm in the city of Cologne, Germany.

The Anuga taste Innovation Show is the beating heart of Anuga when it comes to innovation, creativity, and sustainability in the food industry. It showcases the most imaginative new products and unconventional ideas – items that are set to shape the market of tomorrow.

Korea is the official partner country of Anuga 2025, the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage trade fair. This milestone reflects the growing global recognition of Korean food (K-Food) as a major force in the international culinary landscape, fueled by the global popularity of Korean culture, particularly K-pop and K-dramas, said a report from Anuga Press.

The National Meat Institute (INAC), a regular participant for over 40 years, will present a 660 m² stand, featuring a restaurant where visitors can taste Uruguayan beef