At iba 2009, which runs from October 3-9 in Düsseldorf, Germany, North American exhibitors and visitors will be able to discover the latest in the world of baking.

At iba 2009, which runs from October 3-9 in Düsseldorf, Germany, North American exhibitors and visitors will be able to discover the latest in the world of baking.
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So far, iba 2009 organizers report that more than 990 companies will be exhibiting at the show, which means the halls are fully booked. The proportion of international exhibitors among them is 56%, which is identical to the 2006 exhibition. Some countries, such as Finland, Japan, Canada, Portugal and the Czech Republic will have an even bigger turnout out than last time.

Like in Munich three years ago, there will be a comprehensive program in Düsseldorf to complement the offerings of the exhibitors. Particularly worth mentioning is the iba Cup, a unique international competition for bakers and confectioners that’s designed to promote the exchange of ideas between the various baking cultures. According to the organizers of the show, more information on the iba Cup will be available in the near future.

In addition to the show, the widely popular tours of regional wholesale and retail bakeries will be offered to North American trade fair visitors to provide an insight into the expertise of German bakeries. Bakery tours are available free of charge, but organized groups will be responsible for their own transportation as well as interpreters for their respective languages. If possible, touring also will be accompanied by a business consultant from the state guild association. Often times in the past, these guides provide information on the bakery in both German and English.

Most tours will be held every day during the show. More often than not, the tours are held in the early morning so plan on getting up before or right at the crack of dawn to take a taxi to the bakery’s operation. For more information, contact Walter Dohr at Verband des Rheinischen Bäckerhandwerks at info@bivreinland.de or call +49 (0) 203 710120.

For those interested in further education, the Erste Deutsche Bäckerfachschule offers basic and further training by bakers for bakers. Founded in 1926, the college lies in the picturesque surroundings of the southern Sauerland region, or about a one-hour drive from Düsseldorf.

Throughout iba 2009, the institute will be offering seminars covering all aspects of baking to any guests who are interested. If requested, the college also will incorporate a personalized program of events as well. For more information, contact Friedrich Wirsam at Bäckerinnungs-Verband Westfalen-Lippe vb@biv.wl.de.