iba introduces two new events in May 2025: a new competition and a space for trends. The ‘World Championship of Bread Sommeliers’ will be held at iba for the first time, joining the trade show’s competitions such as the iba.UIBC.Cup of Bakers and the iba.UIBC.Cup of Confectioners.

The new competition debuts not long after bread sommelier certification became available for international bakers. The advanced training program is organized by the German National Bakers Academy in Weinheim.

The first international course for ‘Certified Bread Sommeliers’ was organized there in the fall of 2023. Participants from countries including the USA, Norway, Brazil, Ireland, Aruba (Caribbean) and New Zealand completed the course in September 2024. A total of 267 bread sommeliers from 14 countries have been trained in Weinheim so far.

The graduates can compete in the preliminary round of the new competition, with the grand finale of the ‘World Championship of bread sommeliers’ set to be held at iba in May 2025.

the iba.FOOD TRENDS AREA, where the concept is even spread across the entire Hall 15. Exhibitors will present their food trends at various stands and contact points, from raw materials and snack innovations to machines for production. 

Trends

The iba.FOOD TRENDS AREA is another new feature in 2025, showcasing the latest developments in food culture and suitable products, ingredients and concepts. Staged in hall 15, the new highlight includes the iba.STAGE, which will host presentations on food trends in the mornings. In the afternoons, experts will cover other focus topics, the organizer announced.

iba’s one-off Dusseldorf edition will be held from May 18 to 22, 2025. The exhibition space is 95% booked in mid-November, with over 700 exhibitors from 43 countries registered. Ticket sales for visitors will start in December 2024.

Photo: iba 2023. Credit: GHM