Florian Gmeinwieser appointed Director of iba global baking trade fair
The appointment marks a strategic shift as iba prepares for its next edition scheduled for October 24-28, 2027, in Munich.
GERMANY – GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH has announced Florian Gmeinwieser as the new Director of iba, the world’s leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry.
The appointment marks a strategic shift as iba prepares for its next edition in 2027, with Gmeinwieser set to steer the event through a rapidly evolving landscape of digitalization, sustainability, and industry innovation.
Gmeinwieser, 53, succeeds Susann Seidemann, who led iba from April 2021 to August 2025 and now transitions to Chief Sales Officer at GHM.
Her tenure was marked by significant growth and modernization of the fair, earning praise from industry leaders including Roland Ermer, president of the German Bakers’ Confederation.
A graduate in business administration, Gmeinwieser brings over two decades of experience in B2B strategy, digital marketing, and brand development.
His career includes leadership roles at German communications agencies such as Serviceplan, where he served as Head of Mobile and later Head of Digital Business.
Importantly, his personal roots in the baking sector, stemming from a family of bakers and his training as a precision mechanic, provide him with a unique blend of strategic insight and industry empathy.
“Iba is the stage for the entire national and international baking industry,” said Gmeinwieser.
“Combining artisan bakery with innovative technologies and sustainable solutions is a key trend for the future, and one that I want to continue to promote at iba.”
His vision for iba includes fostering collaboration between artisan bakers, industrial producers, startups, and technology providers.
He aims to ensure that innovations reach not only large enterprises but also small and medium-sized craft businesses.
This inclusive approach is expected to shape iba’s evolution as a dynamic platform for global baking professionals.
The next iba trade fair is scheduled for October 24-28, 2027, in Munich.
As Director, Gmeinwieser will work closely with the German Bakers’ Confederation and the iba team to build on the fair’s legacy while addressing emerging challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers and shifting consumer expectations.
With his appointment, iba enters a new chapter, one that blends tradition with transformation and positions the fair as a catalyst for the future of baking.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
