iba, the trade fair for baking and confectionery will take place in Düsseldorf from 18 – 22 May 2025. On over 98,000 square metres it will showcase the global diversity of the industry. Artisan bakery is one of the top focus topics, with 19,000 square metres of exhibition space dedicated to it. Whether sustainable shop fitting ideas such as hybrid shop concepts or mobile tiny stores or energy-efficient ovens – there are exciting new products to discover in Halls 13 and 14.
Artisan bakery is a top priority at iba. The German Baker’s Confederation (Zentralverband des Deutschen Bäckerhandwerks e.V.) is the organiser of iba. It represents the interests of over 9,200 bakeries with around 240,000 employees. With a total turnover of 17.55 billion euros, the German baking industry is one of the most important economic factors in Germany.
“We are committed to the strong future of the baking industry in Germany“, says Roland Ermer, President of the German Baker’s Confederation. As representation of the interests, the Confederation is committed to improving the framework conditions in the bakery sector and promotes education and further trainings in the sector. „Demographic change is also leading to a shortage of skilled labour. That’s why the issue of promoting young talent is particularly important to me“, says Ermer.
The German Baker’s Confederation provides information about career opportunities in the bakery sector, develops numerous support programmes for training companies and promotes talents through championships. Since January 2025, trainees have had the opportunity to prepare for exams with the so-called Azubi Campus (Trainee Campus): Apprentices can consolidate and repeat their knowledge with tutorials on the platform of the young talent campaign ‚Bake your future‘ (Back dir deine Zukunft). At iba, the German Baker’s Confederation offers the Azubi Werkstatt (Trainee Workshop) for four days, where young people can gain unique insights into artisan bakery and expand their knowledge.
Focus topic ‘Artisan bakery’ in the broad visitor programme
In the iba.ACADEMY in Hall 14, visitors can learn the art of baking pretzels and obtain a certificate. Another highlight are guided bakery tours in and around Düsseldorf (registration online necessary).
The iba.FORUM in Hall 14 is also all about artisan bakery.
On 18 May at 11 a.m., the ‘Honorary Prize of the German Bakery Trade’ will be awarded to around 50 outstanding artisan bakeries.
The ‘iba.UIBC Cup of Bakers’ will start on the same day, with the award ceremony taking place a day later on 19 May in the iba.FORUM. The award ceremony for the ‘iba.UIBC Cup of Confectioners’ will be held on 22 May. On May 21 the ‘World Championship of Bread Sommeliers’ will take place.
Exceptional artisan bakery requires unusual shop concepts
Quality and functionality are combined with design, and sustainability is an issue: renewable raw materials such as reed, wood, bamboo or cotton are increasingly being used. How can you counteract the shortage of skilled labour and generate sales even after the shops close? The solution is a hybrid shop concept consisting of a classic bakery sales counter with an automated sales system that is accessible through a separate shop entrance. Baked goods, bread and drinks are ordered via a self-order terminal. Fancy an idea for the future? Fully air-conditioned Tiny Stores can be used to test out potential locations or during the reconstruction phase of the shop premises. The mobile, fully equipped container-based supply bakery includes a snack preparation station, warehouse, staff room, oven space and shop window.
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, International Bakery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
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