Kenari Nuts Win Top Innovation at Anuga 2023
Originally published: 2023 · Last updated: August 2026
In 2023, East Forest Kenari Nuts received Top Innovation recognition at the Anuga Taste Innovation Show in Cologne, Germany.
The recognition was awarded in the Fine Food category for the Unsalted variant.
It was another important milestone in the international development of Kenari, following the EU Novel Food approval earlier that year and the Best New Product recognition received at BIOFACH 2023.
Anuga and Food Innovation
Anuga is one of the world's major international food and beverage trade fairs, bringing together food companies, buyers and professionals from around the world.
Within Anuga, the Anuga Taste Innovation Show focuses specifically on new products and ideas that demonstrate innovation, creativity and market potential. Anuga describes the show as a trend barometer and source of inspiration for the global food business.
Being selected for innovation recognition therefore places a product within a broader conversation about where the food industry is heading.
Recognition for the Unsalted Kenari
The recognized product was East Forest Kenari Nuts Unsalted.
Rather than relying on a complex flavor profile, the Unsalted variant allows the characteristics of Kenari itself to remain central.
That makes the product particularly relevant when introducing Kenari to consumers who have never experienced the nut before.
The objective is simple:
Let people discover Kenari itself.
The natural character of the nut — including its distinctive creamy and buttery qualities — becomes the primary experience.
The current East Forest positioning continues to emphasize that the product starts with Kenari itself and is developed to preserve and bring out its natural character.
Why Innovation Recognition Matters for Kenari
For an established food category, innovation can mean introducing a new flavor, format or process.
For Kenari, the opportunity is broader.
The product itself represents something new to many international consumers.
Recognition at Anuga therefore helped demonstrate that Kenari could be presented not simply as an unfamiliar ingredient, but as an innovative food product with commercial potential.
Indonesia's Embassy in Berlin also highlighted East Forest Kenari Nuts as a Top Innovation at the Anuga Taste Innovation Show in its coverage of Indonesia's participation at Anuga 2023.
From a Forest Nut to an International Food Product
The recognition came after several years of development.
Kenari had first been introduced internationally at SIAL Paris in 2018.
Organic certification followed in 2019.
The nut was introduced to the international organic market at BIOFACH in 2020 and presented in greater depth at BIOFACH Special in 2021.
In 2022, Kawanasi returned to SIAL Paris.
Then, in 2023, Kenari achieved EU Novel Food approval and received recognition at both BIOFACH and Anuga.
This progression illustrates the different stages involved in developing a new food category:
origin → product development → certification → regulatory approval → market introduction → recognition.
What It Meant for East Forest
For East Forest, the Anuga recognition reinforced the idea that Kenari could be developed into a collection of products with different market expressions.
The Unsalted variant represents the most direct expression of the nut itself.
Other flavors allow consumers to experience Kenari alongside different ingredients and flavor profiles.
This approach has continued as East Forest has developed new products and flavors.
Continuing to Develop Kenari
Anuga 2023 was another indication that Kenari could participate in international food innovation conversations.
The recognition did not change what Kenari was.
It helped more people discover what Kenari could become.