Washington, D.C.—Some of the biggest companies in the baking industry have announced plans to send an impressive contingency of buyers to IBIE 2007. According to the American Bakers Association, companies who have made known their level of participation include Safeway, Inc., Interstate Bakeries Corporation, The Kroger Co., Flowers Foods, Fresh Start Bakeries, Nonni’s Food Company, Sara Lee Food and Beverage and Weston Foods, Inc. Many of these organizations are taking advantage of prime meeting space and hotel planning services offered by the IBIE committee and are holding their annual/corporate meetings in conjunction with the Orlando event.
 
“For us to stay on top of our game in this highly competitive industry, we need to be aware of—and understand—the latest process innovations and how they may impact our business. Attending IBIE is a great way to see new technology and the latest in ingredients, packaging and new product ideas,” said Allen L. Shiver, president and chief operating officer, Flowers Foods Specialty Group. “Approximately 50 people from Flowers will attend the expo in 2007. This group of decision makers will include senior engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and sales executives.”

Jack Lewis, IBIE committee chairman and president of Lewis Bakeries, is very pleased with the early support being shown for the event.  “In an industry where advanced planning is imperative for keeping up with consumer trends and maintaining a competitive edge, the number and caliber of companies who have already marked their calendars and made plans to attend is impressive, but not surprising. We believe these initial commitments are only a hint of what’s to come when registration opens in January.”

IBIE’s primary advantage over smaller, regional events is that it serves a broad range of businesses—large and small—from virtually all segments of the grain-based food industry. There’s no other event that compares with the scope and magnitude of offerings of IBIE. At the last event, there were approximately 800 exhibiting companies and 20,000 baking professionals in attendance, securing IBIE’s place as the largest industry gathering of the world in 2004.
 
The initial outpouring of support for the 2007 event has also positively affected exhibit sales. Manufacturers and suppliers to the baking industry are realizing that IBIE will be their only opportunity of the year to see all of the industry’s key decision makers—in one place, at one time.  “No other event gives you this kind of exposure with the biggest names in the industry,” said Fred Springer, president and CEO, Burford Corporation.

For information on exhibiting at IBIE, contact Nicole Boland at (312) 673-5828.