The Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre Stockumer Kirchstr will play host to 2009 iba.

More than 1,000 baking companies will convene on 30 acres of hall space at the 2009 iba exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany on Oct. 3-9. The 60-year-old event will retain its international flair, with more than 56 percent of exhibitors hailing from countries outside of Germany. The number of planned exhibitors has grown since the last iba convention in 2006, promising a larger range of products and services and more trends to see across all the three main segments of the exhibition-Production Technology, Raw Materials and Sales.

“In 2009, iba is sending a strong signal. The industry has recognized the uniqueness of iba, so many are using the 2009 event to unveil and premiere many new products. The increased level of interest shows that a steady, three-year cycle that participants can count on is ideal for a global bakery conference,” says Dieter Dohr, managing director of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH. “The number of registrations received so far shows the global status of iba. This is where the industry draws its roadmap for a dynamic future. Everyone benefits from a visit to iba, as a place to identify new opportunities in the market.“

The newer, greener generation of ovens, systems and machinery will be of primary interest at iba 2009. Small baking businesses can profit from this new technology just as much as larger ones as energy-saving products help reduce costs significantly in baking, refrigeration, freezing and fermenting operations.

Also, a wide spectrum of ingredient and commodity companies will be on hand to help attendees navigate through recent swings in ingredient prices. Bakers tend to agree that quality must not be allowed to suffer, despite the rise in raw material prices. Domestic and international raw material suppliers will be presenting their broad ranges of products in all price categories at iba, allowing bakers to find solutions to the market fluctuations.

Attendees also can gather new product ideas to help their bottom line. Inquisitive, trend-oriented visitors are sure to find inspiration for their own businesses at iba. A main area of interest in terms of product ideas will be the to-go segment. With more people on the move and in a hurry, attendees at iba 2009 will be exposed to new and exciting products and packaging for the on-the-go consumer.

Another way to boost turnover in sales for bakers is coffee. A special exhibition on coffee, espresso and the barista is located in Hall 11. It will provide a market place displaying the products of leading coffee-machine manufacturers and coffee roasters. Here, the mysteries of coffee are revealed to the trade visitors, along with plenty of tips and ideas on how to get the most out of a coffee business.

Tickets for iba 2009 are now on sale at www.iba.de, at a special discount rate for advance booking online.

For more iba coverage, including exhibitor list, images and links, please go to www.baking-management.com