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.
Snacking is a key theme at suedback this year, regarded as an opportunity for bakeries to create differentiating products. There is a growing demand for quick, premium snacking options, which can also boost baker revenues.
Until the upcoming exhibition, iba’s multimedia campaign, ‘Baking New Ways’, will present various players and innovative concepts from the industry as well as the trade show’s highlights. The topics will be selected based on their significance for the baking industry.
MECATHERM’s newly launched vertical oven won the Gulfood Manufacturing Excellence Award in the Best Processing Innovation category. The M-VT is a very compact, flexible oven that can be used for a wide range of bakery goods, from crusty bread to pastries and soft products. The equipment was designed to reduce energy consumption and includes innovative features such as the new Hygro Control System and an energy recovery system.
Lin Yeqiang and Feng Yingjie from China won the 2023 iba.UIBC.CUP of Bakers. Teams from 12 countries competed live for the gold medal this year at iba. Working in teams of two, 12 nations took on the challenge. They included the best bakers from Peru, Japan, France, China, Greece, Germany, Korea, Iceland, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Italy.
Food trends are one of the four focus topics at the trade fair in October, along with artisan bakery, digitalization and sustainability. Karin Tischer, the founder of food & more, highlighted the trends that are emerging around the world, which are reflected at the iba.FOOD TRENDS TOURS. Four food trends have emerged in 2023, the researcher highlights: digitization, health orientation with indulgence, Food & Beverage trend booster, as well as sustainability.
Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated order and payment processes will be showcased at iba, part of the show’s digitalization focus. Visitors will be able to discover new opportunities in the iba.DIGITALISATION AREA, supported by AHA 360° and Shop-IQ.
Artisan bakery is one of the focus topics at iba in October 2023, combining tradition with innovation and national with international perspectives. The highlights will include exhibitor product presentations, dedicated action areas as well as lectures held at the iba.SPEAKERS AREA and the iba.FORUM. Competitions such as the German Championships of Master Bakers or the iba.UIBC.CUP of Bakers and Confectioners will also bring craftsmanship into the spotlight.
In October, MECATHERM will launch at iba new solutions including its new M-VT vertical oven for bakery, pastry and patisserie products, its new M-RT molder designed for crusty breads, as well as solutions that help optimize energy consumption for production lines. MECATHERM will exhibit together with its sister company, ABI LTD.
At iba, FRITSCH will showcase two bread lines in a new compact and hygienic design, the PROGRESSA and the IMPRESSA bread. An extensive range of machines will be displayed at the stand, solutions for all business sizes.
Last time iba was staged in person, it provided a platform for EUR 2.1 billion in trade fair contracts. Five
MECATHERM will introduce its latest advances to tackle the sustainability and digitalization challenges in the manufacturing of baking and sweet goods. The French specialist will showcase its complete solutions at the show, focusing on solutions to optimize energy efficiency, a new, easy-to-clean oven dedicated to delicate products, and its latest digital solutions.
