Düsseldorf is set to become the global capital of baking innovation this May as iba 2025, the world's leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry, opens its doors to professionals from around the globe.

The countdown to iba 2025, the premier international baking exhibition, has begun. From Sunday, May 18th, Fairground Düsseldorf will transform into an international hub for baking professionals as 983 exhibitors from 46 countries showcase their innovations across seven halls covering 100,000 square metres. For bakery owners, pastry chefs, and industry suppliers, this event represents the most comprehensive gathering in the global baking calendar.

Global Baking Excellence on Display

This five-day trade fair represents an unparalleled opportunity for industry professionals to explore cutting-edge bakery solutions spanning the entire baking spectrum. Whether your interest lies in artisan baking techniques, production optimization, digital bakery innovations, or emerging food trends, iba 2025 offers comprehensive insights into the future of the global baking industry.

The exhibition is thoughtfully organized by focus areas:

• Production technology and equipment in Halls 9, 10, 11, and 12

• Packaging technology in Hall 9

• Raw materials and ingredients in Hall 15

• Artisan bakery solutions in Halls 13 and 14

  
  

International Baking Competition Highlights

Visitors can witness extraordinary baking talent at the German Bakers Confederation stand (14/A11) with several prestigious international competitions:

• The iba UIBC Cup of Bakers (May 18-19): Elite bakers from six countries competing for international recognition

  
  

• The iba UIBC Cup of Confectioners (May 21-22): Master confectioners from Korea, Albania, Italy, Germany, Mexico and Taiwan showcasing exceptional skills

  
  

• German Championship of Master Bakers (May 20): National finalists battling for the prestigious title with awards at 5 p.m.

  
  

• World Championship of Bread-Sommeliers (May 21): A premiere event featuring 16 international finalists with awards at 5 p.m.

  
  

Additional award ceremonies include:

• Honorary Award of the German Bakery Trade (May 18, 11 a.m.)

• Design Competition: The Bakery of the Future (May 20, 10 a.m.)

• iba.Award (May 20, 11 a.m.)

• iba.Trophy (May 20, 12 p.m.)

  
  

Baking Industry Innovation and Knowledge Exchange

Three key themes run throughout this year's bakery exhibition: artisan bakery techniques, bakery digitalisation and food trends. Dedicated zones highlight these priorities:

• iba.FOOD TRENDS AREA (Hall 15)

• iba.DIGITALISATION AREA (Hall 14)

• iba.CONFECTIONERY TEC AREA supported by ZDS The Academy of Sweets (Hall 9/B11)

• iba.START UP AREA (Hall 13/D61) Knowledge sharing is facilitated through presentations across three stages:

• iba.FORUM (Hall 14/A21): Best-practice presentations and talks by industry experts

• iba.STAGE (Hall 15): Daily 20-minute presentations on focal topics from 10 a.m.

• iba.START UP AREA (Hall 13/D61): Business pitch sessions by innovative founders

  
  

Hands-On Bakery Learning Opportunities

The iba.ACADEMY (Hall 14/A13) offers immersive bakery learning experiences, including the popular "Master of Pretzels" workshops where attendees can learn authentic German pretzel-making techniques. English-language sessions are available on opening Sunday (2-4:30 p.m.) and Monday through Thursday (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). All participants receive certification, but early registration is essential.

For quick orientation around the vast exhibition space, free guided iba.TOURS depart daily at 1 p.m. (Thursday at 11 a.m.) from the Central Association stand (Hall 14/A21). These two-hour tours with company consultants provide valuable insights into industry trends, though registration is required.

Baking Industry Networking Opportunities

After exhibition hours, the iba.EVENT AREA—a charming alpine hut situated between halls 10 and 16—hosts several bakery industry networking opportunities:

• iba.BÄCKER PARTY (May 18, 6 p.m.): Opening celebrations for German artisan bakers featuring carnival festivities

  
  

• iba.NETWORKING NIGHT (May 19, 6 p.m.): Open to all attendees with food, music, and a chance to win an exclusive Dubai trip

  
  

• BAKERS-NIGHT (May 21, 6 p.m.): An established networking event for industry decision-makers featuring food, drinks, and live music

  
  

As the global baking industry converges on Düsseldorf for iba 2025, this premier baking trade fair promises to deliver essential insights, valuable industry connections, and inspiration for the future of baking businesses worldwide. With dedicated spaces for artisan bakery, confectionery technology, and cutting-edge bakery equipment, iba remains the most important event in the international baking calendar.

Event tickets and registration information for iba 2025 are available online.