That was IFFA 2025

From May 3 to 8, 2025, Frankfurt will once again become the center of the global meat and protein industry. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries will present their innovations at the IFFA 2025, and SLA will be there too. IFFA 2025– and <span SLA was right in the thick of it together with ÖFK and our joint venture Foodfair Under the motto ”Rethinking Meat and Proteins,“ the trade fair attracted more than 63,000 trade visitors from 144 countries. THAT WAS IFFA 2025 A look back at the leading international trade fair for the meat industry.

This year's IFFA impressively demonstrated how strongly the topics of automation, digitalization, and sustainability are driving the industry forward. The innovative strength on display ranged from state-of-the-art robotics and smart AI solutions to resource-saving production methods. Particularly exciting were the insights into new protein sources, which pose new challenges not only for product development but also for processing methods.

However, SLA focused on digital solutions – systems that use artificial intelligence to optimize production processes and ensure product traceability. These technologies were not only presented, but also demonstrated in live operation – a decisive step in showing that digitalization is not just a buzzword for us, but something we put into practice every day. This year's IFFA impressively demonstrated how strongly the topics of automation, digitalization, and sustainability are driving the industry forward. The innovative strength ranged from state-of-the-art robotics and smart AI solutions to resource-saving production methods. Particularly exciting were the insights into new protein sources, which pose new challenges not only for product development but also for processing.

THAT WAS IFFA 2025A look back at the leading international trade fair for the meat industry

Our appearance

Digital booth, large stage

Our booth in Hall 9, Booth B.02, was impossible to miss, even from a distance. Together with Foodfair and ÖFK, we created a digital world of experience that immediately captivated visitors. Animated content was displayed on a huge LED screen, not only presenting our technologies but also sending a clear message: SLA is thinking digitally about the future of food processing.

Once we got closer, the real highlight awaited us: our live AI demo. Together with our partner KUKA, we presented an automated miniature production line. Boxes full of items were transported on a conveyor belt while our AI solution recognized, sorted, and categorized the products in real time. It was a fascinating insight into the possibilities of process optimization and impressively demonstrated how SLA AI is not only developed, but already actively integrated into practice.

While the AI solution captivated visitors, the aroma of freshly baked baguettes drew people in. Vulcano raw ham was sliced paper-thin on a Berkel slicing machine – symbolizing the connection between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Visitors struck up conversations, enjoyed the tasting, and learned how time-honored methods and digital innovations can be combined to form a unified whole.

Briefly mentioned, but nevertheless of great interest: the eSkinner from GECO. The device impressively demonstrated how precise automated processes can also be used in meat processing. This is another example of how Foodfair establishes innovative technologies in practic

Alex, BI expert at SLA, summed it up later: “Our booth wasn't just a place for presentations. It was an experience—digital, interactive, and a real highlight of the trade show.”

What did our booth at IFFA 2025actually look like? What were the biggest eye-catchers? Alex, our BI expert, takes you on a short tour through the digital world of SLA, Foodfair, and ÖFK.

In three short clips on social media, he shows what impressed visitors the most – from the LED strip to the live AI demo to the perfect combination of tradition and high-tech.

Our booth at first hand – Alex guides you through the highlights

Watch now: Alex presents the status and highlights of IFFA 2025

Our AI live demo

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BI(er) & ham

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The Smarttouch

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Lectures and discussions

SLA and Foodfair on stage

The major topics of the trade fair were discussed in depth on the Factory Stage and in the panel discussion – and SLA was right in the middle of it all:

Lecture: „Smart, Efficient, Sustainable: How AI is Revolutionizing the Meat Industry!“

Dr. Danielle Rhen, AI expert at SLA and Foodfair, gave an impressive presentation showing how AI is already increasing efficiency, quality, and sustainability in meat processing. Using practical examples and videos, she illustrated how AI is revolutionizing the industry.

Lecture by Dr. Danielle Rhen on the Factory Stage

Panel discussion: “Technology meets practice”

Our CEO Jörg Brezl spoke with industry experts about the digitization of meat processing. The focus was on how SLA and Foodfair are jointly developing AI solutions that not only impress as innovations, but also create real added value in practice.

Technology meets practice – panel discussion with Jörg Brezl

Impressions and encounters

What will remain after IFFA 2025?

IFFA 2025 was not only a place for technology and innovation—it was above all a place for exchange.

For Christoph Heitmann, project manager at SLA, the discussions were the real highlight of the trade fair. “We had incredibly good, in-depth discussions,” he says. “I learned a lot—about AI, about the ÖFK's projects, and about how far we've come with our BI solutions.”

Alexander Engel, BI expert at SLA, was also impressed by the diversity of visitors: “People from Mongolia, Nicaragua, Australia—they all came with specific questions about our AI solutions. One guy from Spain even came by three times. He said he couldn't sleep all night because he kept coming up with new ideas for predictive AI.”

Sebastian Huber from ÖFK emphasized how strong the cooperation between SLA, Foodfair, and ÖFK was at the trade fair: “We presented ourselves as a team and showed that we are not just talking about digitalization, but are actively driving it forward.”

Dr. Danielle Rhen, AI expert, summed it up succinctly: “Cattle classification and slaughter number recognition were the topics I was asked about most—and these are precisely the areas in which we are leading the way with our AI solutions.”

Michael Brockschmidt, Sales Manager at SLA, added: “For many, it was a real eye-opener to see that we don't just do IT, but also bring real practical expertise to the table. That went down really well.”

final conclusion

A appearance that leaves a lasting impression

IFFA 2025 was a resounding success for SLA, Foodfair, and ÖFK. From the spectacular stand design and inspiring presentations to the intensive discussions with experts from around the world, we demonstrated that SLA doesn't just talk about digital solutions, but actively puts them into practice.

That was IFFA 2025