iba 2025: Innovation, Expertise, and Unforgettable Evenings
From 18 to 22 May 2025, the global baking community will once again gather for iba, the world’s leading trade fair for bakery, confectionery and snacks. This year’s edition, hosted ar Messe Düsseldorf, promises a wealth of innovation, know-how and networking opportunities, making it an unmissable event for industry professionals. Here’s a look at some of the standout features of iba 2025.
This year’s fair will gather almost 1,000 exhibitors spread across 100,000 square meters. Around 65% of them are returning exhibitors. The top product areas and exhibitors at iba 2025 are: Production technology is represented the most (52% of exhibitors), covering four halls. It is followed by process optimization with 23%. Both product areas have grown slightly since the last edition in 2023. Raw materials & ingredients account for 17%. The packaging technology exhibition area has also grown slightly and now accounts for 17%.
Digitalisation Takes Centre Stage
iba 2025 puts the spotlight firmly on the future with its focus topic: digitalisation. In Hall 14, the iba.DIGITALISATION AREA spans 450 square metres and features a fully functional bakery branch presented by AHA 360° and Shop-IQ. This demonstration will cover a range of operational models, including full-service bakeries, hybrid formats, and autonomous self-service concepts.
Visitors can also attend live expert talks on the iba.STAGE in Hall 15:
- ‘The Evolution of Bakery Concepts’ (18 May, 4 p.m.) will explore future-ready bakery models.
- ‘Intelligent Planning, No More Guesswork – With AI for Holistic Profit Optimisation’ (19 May, 2 p.m.) will show how AI tools can drive profitability.
- ‘Predictive Modelling for Enhanced Shelf Life’ (19 May, 3 p.m.) will delve into extending freshness through virtual testing.
Unwind and Connect: iba.EVENT AREA and Networking Nights
After a day full of insights and discoveries, the iba.EVENT AREA offers a series of memorable evening events to round off each day. Two highlights include the iba.NETWORKING NIGHT on 19 May and the lively BAKERS-NIGHT on 21 May. These events will be held in a charming alpine hut set up outdoors between Halls 10 and 16, where visitors can enjoy live music, excellent food, and a warm, convivial atmosphere.
The iba.NETWORKING NIGHT offers even more excitement this year: attendees have the chance to win an exclusive trip to Dubai. As part of the evening’s programme, Dr Sven Mostegl, known as Sven the Baker, will present his new book, Die Brotrevolution. Further details about the raffle and how to participate will be available onsite.
Platform for start-ups – the iba.START UP AREA
The iba.START UP AREA is a complete area for start-ups including a stage and a modern, open community area. The founders present their new ideas here: The spectrum ranges from ordering apps and services to food utilisation. The start-ups will also pitch their business ideas on a stage – every day of the trade fair from Sunday to Wednesday. Each start-up has two minutes for this. Before and after this, there will be the opportunity to network at the iba.START UP AREA.
Learn by Doing: The iba.ACADEMY Pretzel Masterclass
Those looking to sharpen their practical skills can head to the iba.ACADEMY. Here, visitors can participate in a hands-on training session dedicated to mastering the art of traditional pretzel-making. Conducted by instructors from the German National Bakers Academy in Weinheim (Bundesakademie Weinheim) and supported by the Zentralverband des Deutschen Bäckerhandwerks e. V., these 2.5-hour workshops will guide attendees through the complete process from ingredients to shaping and baking, all delivered in English.