October 27-29,2026
Three locations.
One Process.
Your perspective.
One Process.
Your perspective.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Shaping the Future of Processing & Packaging
Step inside the Meat & Minds Summit — where you shape your own experience. Choose the topics and sessions that matter most to you and explore processing and packaging under real production conditions. See technologies at work, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and connect with the people driving progress in meat and alternative proteins.
Across three locations hosted by MULTIVAC, TVI, and Handtmann,you can tailor your journey through the full production chain — from processing to packaging — through live demonstrations, expert sessions, and hands-on applications based on your interests. In the Future Lab, explore the ideas and developments influencing the next generation of the industry.
Free to attend. Limited capacity. Unlimited insights.
Conference
Experience a high-level conference featuring leading industry experts and inspiring keynote speakers. Gain valuable insights into current market trends, practical use cases, and innovative solutions shaping today’s and tomorrow’s meat processing and packaging industry.
Deep Dive
Go deeper into the topics that matter most to you. Interactive live demonstrations and expert-led sessions provide hands-on knowledge and practical insights. Sessions can be booked individually, allowing you to tailor your agenda to your specific interests and business challenges.
Future Lab
Explore what lies ahead in meat processing and packaging. In cooperation with leading research institutes, the Future Lab offers forward-looking perspectives on emerging technologies, sustainable concepts, and innovations that will define the industry’s future.
Networking
Connect across the entire meat supply chain. Our marketplace brings together selected partners showcasing their solutions and expertise. The day concludes with an evening networking event—an ideal setting to exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
Conference Presentations Available in 65 Languages!
Follow the Meats & Minds Summit in your preferred language with AI-powered real-time translation via live audio and captions.
Bavarian Night
After a day full of insights, innovation, and live technology, the evening takes a different turn: experience a true Bavarian Oktoberfest atmosphere. Enjoy traditional food, music, and relaxed networking with industry peers, partners, and experts – the perfect setting to connect in a more personal and memorable way.
Event Partner
SPEAKERS
Atria Oyj
Reijo Äijö
Group Vice President Technology
“The Technological Future of the European Meat Industry”
Who is Reijo Äijö?
As Vice President at ATRIA and a Long standing expert in the European meat industry, Reijo brings deep market insight and strategic perspective to the stage.
In his keynote “The Technological Future of the European Meat Industry”, he shares key trends, cha lenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the sectors technology.
Samworth Brothers
Lee Sullivan
Category Managing Director
“The Strategic Impact of lasting Partnerships along the Meat Supply Chain”
Who is Lee Sullivan?
Lee Sullivan is an experienced leader with a strong operational and Commercial background, driving growth and Building strong partnerships.
In his keynote “The Strategic Impact of Lasting Partnerships along the Meat Supply Chain”, he shares how collaboration drives long-term success across the industry.
Danish Technological Institute
Dr. Lars Hinrichsen
Vice President Business
“Digital Automation as a Value Driver for the Meat Industry”
Who is Dr. Lars Hinrichsen?
Lars Hinrichsen is an international expert in food and agro innovation, with over 30 years of experience driving technological transformation and business growth across the industry.
In his keynote “Digital Automation as a Value Driver for the Meat Industry”, he explores how technology drives efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Sustainable Packaging Institute
Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid
Institute Director
“Sustainable Packaging for Meat Products: Balancing Material Innovation, Food Protection and Circularity”
Who is Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid?
Markus Schmid is an expert in sustainable food packaging, focusing on material innovation and circular solutions for the industry. As head of the Sustainable Packaging Institute, he develops practical approaches for future-ready packaging.
In his keynote “Sustainable Packaging for Meat Products: Balancing Material Innovation, Food Protection and Circularity”, he shows how sustainability and product safety can be aligned.
PreZero Sustainable Packaging
Alexander Reitz
Lead Consulting & Development
“Recyclability and Design Requirements: How Retailers prepare for PPWR”
Who is Alexander Reitz?
Alexander Reitz leads the packaging expert team at PreZero.
As part of the Schwarz Group, PreZero aims to build closed material loops within one of the world’s largest retail ecosystems — from collection and processing to returning materials into industrial processes.
In his keynote “Recyclability and Design Requirements: How Retailers Prepare for PPWR”, he shares latest insights on packaging circularity.
FALKENSTEIN
Matthias Pelkner
Head of Food Processing
“Meat & Meat Product Manufacturing – A Greenfield Perspective”
Who is Matthias Pelkner?
Matthias Pelkner, Head of Food Processing, is an expert in industrial food production with a focus on future-oriented manufacturing concepts.
In his keynote “Meat & Meat Product Manufacturing – A Greenfield Perspective”, he presents innovative approaches to designing efficient, sustainable production facilities from the ground up.
Innova Market Insights
Ekaterina Tretyakova
Market Insights Consultant
“Top Global Trends 2026 in Meat & Meat Alternatives”
Who is Ekaterina Tretyakova?
Based on Innova's global innovation and consumer intelligence, Ekaterina Tretyakova offers deep insights into global consumer behavior and market developments in the protein sector.
In her keynote, “Top Global Trends 2026 in Meat & Meat Alternatives,” she highlights key shifts shaping the industry—from the growing demand for protein and evolving indulgence to the rise of plant-based nutrition, price sensitivity, and sustainability as a core driver.
EHI Retail Institute
Marco Atzberger
Managing Director
“Trends in Retail Logistics and Implications for the Food Industry”
Who is Marco Atzberger?
As a member of the management board at EHI Retail Institute, Marco Atzberger works closely with leading retailers to shape the future of the industry—bringing strong expertise in logistics, supply chain, and digital transformation.
In his keynote “Trends in Retail Logistics and Implications for the Food Industry”, he shares key developments and their impact on food retail.
FUTURE LAB
Outlooks on the future of meat processing & packaging
Food
Safety
Sustainable
Packaging
Production of
the Future
In cooperation with leading research institutes
AGENDA
DAY 1
Tue, 27 October
Get Together
08:45-09:15
Welcome
09:15-09:30
Conference Part 1:
Protein Market & Trends
09:30-11:00
Group Session 1:
- Future Lab / Market Place
- Factory Tour: New MULTIVAC Plant (Industry 4.0)
11:00-12:00
Lunch
12:00-13:00
Conference Part 2:
Production of the Future
13:00-14:00
Group Session 2:
- Future Lab / Market Place
- Factory Tour: New MULTIVAC Plant (Industry 4.0)
14:00-15:00
Break
15:00-15:30
Conference Part 3:
Packaging & Retail Trends
15:30-17:00
Evening Event
17:00-21:00
DAY 2
Wed, 28 October
DAY 3
Thu, 29 October
Deep Dive Sessions Overview
Automation & Digitalization
Automation for Sausage Loading
MULTIVAC Centrifuge Feeder 2.0
Efficient & gentle loading of both straight and curved sausages.
Digitalized Line
Slicing Line. NextGen.
Simplified line operation with full transparency at any time.
AI Vision
MULTIVAC Vision Show Truck
State-of-the-art product and package inspection.
Digitalization Hands-On
MULTIVAC Smart Services & Production Planning
Digital solutions for maximum productivity, simple operation, and direct support for your MULTIVAC machines and line components. Discover how integrated production planning, batch handling, shopfloor communication, and automated reporting create a seamless flow of information, increase transparency, and support operational excellence.
Success Stories
Automation Case Studies
Learn from real customer projects and discover line solutions for a wide range of applications.
Packaging
Understand the Key Drivers of Packaging
MULTIVAC Packaging Expert Session
- Product Quality & Shelf Life
- Sustainability & PPWR
- Efficiency through Packaging Design
Experience Packaging Innovation Live
MULTIVAC Packaging Hands-On
- MultiFresh™ on Thermoformer
- MultiFresh™ on Traysealer
- FlowPack Solutions
- PixelHEAT Technology
- FormShrink Applications
- Mono-Material Comparison
Slicing
Focus on OEE
Slicing Performance Line
Availability matters. Experience a complete production ramp-up in just 10 minutes and discover how optimized line integration maximizes uptime and productivity.
Focus on Flexibility
Slicing Line NextGen / S300
Efficient production for a wide variety of products. From changing product formats to different packaging requirements, flexibility becomes a key productivity driver.
Focus on Yield & Giveaway Reduction
Provisur Press-to-Slice Solution
Best-in-class total cost of ownership for high-value products. Reduce giveaway, improve slice quality and maximize the value of every kilogram processed.
Focus on Packaging & Shelf Life
Packaging Innovations for Cold Cuts
Discover packaging concepts that extend shelf life, improve product presentation and support sustainable, consumer-friendly packaging solutions.
Meat Portioning
Focus on Yield & Margin
GMS 1000 Performance Package with Handtmann Side Loader
Giveaway is not a rounding error. It is margin you produce but never sell. Yield optimization, automated side loading and perfect tempering for more saleable product with less manual work.
Focus on High-Performance Portioning
GMS 1600 with New HMI 3.1
Machine speed is only half the performance. High throughput meets intuitive operation, connectivity and seamless integration into MULTIVAC processing and packaging solutions.
Focus on Flexibility
GMS 520 Line: Evaluate Slices, Portions and Tray Applications on a Single Line
Flexibility proves itself at the next product change. Single slices today, portions tomorrow. Trays today, thermoforming packs tomorrow. Evaluate slices, portions and tray applications on a single line.
Focus on Smart Automation with TVI, Handtmann & MULTIVAC
Right-Sized Automation for Craft and Mid-Sized Businesses
Automation should not pay off only at an industrial scale. Portioning, dosing and packaging in a compact line. Manageable volumes and a broad product range. Just the right level of automation for your craft and mid-sized business, matching your production volumes.
Sausage Production
YOUR LINE, YOUR PACE: SCALABLE AUTOMATION LEVELS
HANDTMANN Automation Pathways for Sausage Production
Hands-on showcase of industrial sausage production including:
- PVLH 248 for portioning, linking, hanging & cutting
- PVLH 252 L & Alkar J-Con for continuous hanging lines
- ConPro alginate & collating technology for fresh sausages
GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE MEAT INDUSTRY
HANDTMANN Supporting Conference Program
Presentation of:
- Handtmann Inotec line solutions – Modular by design. Automated by choice.
- Future forward: food processing trends of tomorrow
- Digitalization in practice – customer perspective from Kaufland & Granby
Minced and Formed Meat
IT'S NOT ALL OR NOTHING
HANDTMANN Minced Meat Production that Adapts to your Reality
Hands-on showcase of minced and formed meat line solutions including:
- Entry-level solutions
- Flexible lines for trending applications
- Industrial production & handling solutions
GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE MEAT INDUSTRY
HANDTMANN Supporting Conference Program
Presentation of:
- Handtmann Inotec line solutions – Modular by design. Automated by choice.
- Future forward: food processing trends of tomorrow
- Digitalization in practice – customer perspective from Kaufland & Granby
JOIN THE EVENT
Program Overview
Tuesday, October 27th
Conference, Market Places & Networking
- Conference
- Future Lab
- Market Places
- Factory Tour: New MULTIVAC Plant (Industry 4.0)
- Evening Event
Wednesday, October 28th / Thursday, October 29th
Deep Dive Sessions
Attendees choose sessions based on individual interests.
- Slicing
- Packaging
- Automation & Digitalization
- Meat & Sausage Processing
- Meat Portioning
Please pre-register below and select your interests.
LOCATIONS
Handtmann
Albert Handtmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 10-12
88400 Biberach/Riss
WHERE TO STAY
To ensure a smooth and relaxed event experience, organised shuttle bus services will operate between the event locations and selected hotels, where guests can also benefit from discounted accommodation rates.
EVENT PARTNER
We would like to sincerely thank our event partners for their support and trust.
Would you like to become part of our network?
We would be happy to provide you with more information about our partnership opportunities.
CONTACT
