The Meat Industry Forum 2025 brought together around 100 participants from across the entire value chain in Quakenbrück on September 3 and 4. The event kicked off on September 3 with a tour of Böseler Goldschmaus and an evening event hosted by SLA Software Logistik Artland GmbH. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests took the opportunity to get in the mood for the upcoming specialist topics and deepen initial contacts.
On September 4, Dr. Christian Hertel from the DIL German Institute of Food Technology e. V. opened the conference day together with Gabor Griego, the new managing editor of agricultural, baking, and meat media at the dfv media group. The morning focused on the major topics in the industry: animal husbandry, husbandry labeling, and EU regulations. Dr. Albert Hortmann-Scholten provided an update on animal husbandry and husbandry methods and called for more realism when changing husbandry methods. Dr. Hanno Koerfer presented developments in husbandry labeling and the EU deforestation regulation and called for timely preparation. A lively discussion round concluded the first block before guests were able to immerse themselves in the world of innovation at DIL.
The innovation tour took guests to three research areas at the DIL. In image processing, modern color and hyperspectral cameras showed how precise product recognition and quality control are driving automation in food processing. Artificial intelligence was also presented, which can make processes more efficient, sustainable, and accurate with the help of machine learning. Food physics and biotechnology focused on alternative raw materials for sustainable chocolate products and the BASOMEAT project, which processes fungal mycelium from agricultural by-products into a protein-rich meat alternative. Another focus was on process engineering and product development, where extrudates and high moisture extrudates (HME) were presented as a sustainable basis for vegan meat substitutes.
The afternoon was devoted to further specialist presentations. Dr. Patrick Krampitz presented the legislative requirements with regard to the planned PPWR, in particular on compostability, recyclability, and labeling requirements. Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid highlighted practical and sustainable packaging strategies and emphasized the importance of product protection. Michael Martin illustrated the high demands placed on packaging materials in practice and made clear the urgent need for action. Stefan Dangel highlighted the role of modern packaging machines, which must ensure maximum flexibility and quality. Yusuf Kaya concluded with examples from fresh produce logistics in the context of the PPWR.
With two days full of expert knowledge, intensive discussions, and innovative insights, the Meat Industry Forum 2025 was a complete success. The DIL would like to thank all speakers, sponsors, and participants for their commitment and valuable contributions.