Paris will be play host to an anticipated 80,000 visitors from 143 countries and 600 exhibitors from 25 countries March 29-April 2 for the 2008 edition of Europain. The trade show — now celebrating its 40th anniversary — will be held at Paris Nord Villepinte and feature such events as The Bakery World Cup, The Louis Lesaffre International Cup 2007, The International Confectionary Art Competition and The International Frozen Desserts Master Competition.

Perhaps most importantly, the show will house the latest equipment, services and products for the baking industry.

According to Europain literature, “The bakery products market is undergoing a major transformation due to changes in and the globalization of consumption.” Demand for “exotic,” trend-driven breads, pastries and cakes is growing, it adds, noting that regional specialties are becoming more national and international. As a result, “new techniques combining computerization, refrigeration and baking techniques and innovations in dough-making, adjustments in fermentation and the latest kneading machines has development a high quality, rational mass production system” are called for.

Europain will answer the call by bringing together suppliers and bakers, showcasing the professional expertise of companies from around the world.

One of the highlights of the show, which takes place every two to three years, is The Bakery World Cup, in which teams of three people each from 12 countries — including the United States — compete in the areas of Viennese pastries, baguettes and specialty breads, and “artistic masterpiece.”

For more information about attending or exhibiting at Europain, visit www.europain.com.