IBA 2025: Global Baking and Confectionery Fair returns to Düsseldorf with a focus on artisan innovation
GERMANY – The International Baking and Confectionery Industry Association (IBA), a global trade fair for professionals in the baking, confectionery, and snack industries that takes place every two years, will be held this year in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 18 to 22 May.
With over 98,000 square meters of exhibition space, this event will showcase the industry’s global diversity. One of the main focus topics will be artisan bakery, which will occupy 19,000 square meters of space.
The German baking industry plays a significant economic role, boasting a total turnover of €17.55 billion (approximately US$18 billion).
A notable highlight of the fair will be the discussion of artisanal-type bakeries named hybrid shops—innovative bakeries that emphasize quality, functionality, and sustainability, constructed using renewable materials such as reed, wood, bamboo, or cotton.
These hybrid shops feature a classic bakery sales counter alongside an automated sales system accessible through a separate entrance.
Additionally, there will be a mobile, fully equipped container-based bakery designed for testing potential locations or reconstructing existing shop premises, all in a compact format.
Participants can apply online to enter the design competition ‘Bakery of the Future’ by applying online and submitting their versions of a bakery of the future by March 21, 2025. The winners will be announced during IBA on May 20 at the IBA forum.
Oven technology will also be a key topic, with builders demonstrating how a newly developed heat recovery system can utilize residual heat to shorten baking times and improve dough development and crust formation.
Intelligent Active Steam technology will be discussed as well, which combines the benefits of tube and cascade steaming in in-store baking ovens.
The German Baker’s Confederation (Zentralverband des Deutschen Bäckerhandwerks e.V.), which owns IBA, represents over 9,200 bakeries employing around 240,000 individuals.
The confederation will host the “Azubi Werkstatt” (Trainee Workshop) at IBA for four days, offering young people valuable insights into artisanal baking. Participants will learn how to bake pretzels and can earn a certificate from the IBA Academy in Hall 14.
In Hall 14, the IBA forum will highlight artisan bakeries, with approximately 50 outstanding bakeries receiving the ‘Honorary Prize of the German Bakery Trade’ on May 18 at 11 a.m.
The ‘IBA UIBC Cup of Bakers’ competition will commence on the same day, with the award ceremony scheduled for May 19 in the forum.
The award ceremony for the ‘IBA UIBC Cup of Confectioners’ will take place on May 22, and the ‘World Championship of Bread Sommeliers’ will be held on May 21. Attendees can also register online for guided tours of bakeries in and around Düsseldorf.
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