Koelnmesse Restructures Food and Food Technology Divisions under Unified Leadership

Koelnmesse has announced the integration of its Food and Food Technology portfolios into a single business unit as part of a strategic restructuring. Effective immediately, Bastian Mingers, currently Vice President Food, will also assume leadership of the FoodTec business unit.

Mingers succeeds Claire Steinbrück, who departs Koelnmesse after nine years of service. The company expressed its gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in her future endeavors.

With over two years at Koelnmesse, Mingers, 41, has led key events including Anuga and ISM, as well as their associated international initiatives. In his expanded role, he will also oversee ProSweets Cologne, Anuga FoodTec, and Anuga HORIZON. Prior to joining Koelnmesse, he held various positions at Messe Düsseldorf for 11 years, culminating in his role as Global Head Wine & Spirit.

“Combining the Food and Food Technology divisions under one leadership aligns with our strategic focus, given the synergies between these sectors,” said Oliver Frese, Koelnmesse Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. “This move ensures we can better address the full value chain of the food industry.”

Mingers described the integration as an opportunity to address emerging trends such as functional food and alternative protein sources, emphasizing the need for global scalability in food technology innovations. “Our goal is to bridge tradition and modernity in food production, aligning traditional methods with cutting-edge technology and contemporary trends,” Mingers said.

Koelnmesse leadership expressed confidence in Mingers’ ability to lead the expanded portfolio. “We wish Bastian Mingers every success in his new role,” Frese said.