An astonishing 72,000 bakers and confectioners turned out at the iba world market for baking in Dusseldorf last week. The event attracted more visitors from around the globe than ever before.
"We had hoped that iba 2003 would embolden bakers and confectioners, and that is exactly what happened. Our expectations and those of our members have been more than satisfied," said Peter Becker, president of iba and the Zentralverband des Deutschen Bäckerhandwerks (Central Association of German Bakers).
Europeans accounted for the majority of international visitors. Over half of the attendees came from EU countries while 16 per cent travelled from non-EU countries. A striking number of Asians also attended the event, totalling 13 per cent compared to 9 per cent in 1998.
Of the vast number of international visitors, over 1,000 experts from 32 countries attended iba 2003 in order to participate in the tours of 36 baking operations in and around Düsseldorf.
"It appears global markets for baked goods are changing with approximately half of all visitors making the trip to Düsseldorf from abroad, even in countries that traditionally consume fewer breadstuffs, the appetite for breads, pastries and central European specialities is growing," claimed an iba spokesperson.
Showcased at the trade fair were the latest technologies, shop equipment, kneading machines and DP programmes for craftsmen and the baking industry. With light snacks, international delicacies and varied baked goods on display, the trade fair offered a wide variety of craftsmanship.
"Success has nothing to do with size. All companies could profit from the innovations on display," said Becker.
The next iba will take place as scheduled by the staging cycle on 3-9 October 2006 in Munich.