The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2025 kicked off with tremendous energy at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together the global baking community for what promises to be one of the most innovative expositions in recent memory. Walking the expansive expo floor during the opening days, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the corridors.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation
The first day of IBIE 2025 established the tone for what would become a showcase of industry transformation. The Las Vegas Convention Center's massive halls buzzed with activity as exhibitors put finishing touches on their displays while early attendees began exploring the latest in baking technology, ingredients, and equipment.
The food and beverage industry's most influential decision-makers, from procurement directors to foodservice executives, converged on the show floor with clear objectives: discovering breakthrough solutions that could revolutionize their operations and drive profitability in an increasingly competitive market.
Pre-Show Networking and First Impressions
Before the official opening, industry veterans and newcomers alike gathered for informal networking sessions. The diversity of attendees was remarkable – from artisan bakers seeking traditional techniques to large-scale commercial operations looking for automation solutions. This blend created an environment where innovation met tradition, setting the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections.
Day 2: Competitions Begin and Innovation Takes Center Stage
September 14th marked the official launch of several major competitions that would define the exposition's competitive spirit throughout the week.
Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie Americas Selection
The Americas Selection of the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie competition commenced, featuring the continent's most talented baking teams. This world-class competition showcases not only technical expertise but also creativity and innovation in bread making, setting new standards for the global baking community.
The competition format challenged teams to demonstrate mastery across multiple categories, from traditional bread techniques to avant-garde artistic presentations. Spectators and industry professionals gathered around the competition area, witnessing firsthand the evolution of baking artistry.
Creative Cake Decorating Competition
Running parallel to the bread competition, the Creative Cake Decorating Competition began its three-day run, featuring intricate sugar work, innovative design techniques, and artistic presentations that pushed the boundaries of edible art. The level of creativity on display reflected the industry's commitment to both visual appeal and taste innovation.
Industry Trends and Technology Spotlight
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Throughout both days, sustainability emerged as a dominant theme across exhibitor booths. Food and beverage companies showcased eco-friendly packaging solutions, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable ingredient sourcing programs. The industry's commitment to environmental responsibility was evident in everything from biodegradable packaging innovations to equipment designed for reduced energy consumption.
Automation and Digital Integration
The integration of artificial intelligence and automation technologies featured prominently across the expo floor. Equipment manufacturers demonstrated how smart ovens, automated mixing systems, and quality control technologies are revolutionizing commercial baking operations. These innovations address labor shortages while maintaining consistent quality standards that foodservice industry professionals demand.
Health-Conscious Product Development
The growing demand for healthier alternatives drove significant innovation in ingredient formulations. Exhibitors showcased high-protein alternatives, plant-based ingredients, and reduced-sugar formulations that don't compromise on taste or texture. This trend aligns perfectly with consumer demands for products that support wellness without sacrificing indulgence.
Networking Events and Industry Connections
Rockin' Pint Networking Event
The September 14th evening concluded with the Rockin' Pint networking event, powered by AB Mauri, from 5:00-7:00 PM. This gathering provided an relaxed atmosphere for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and discuss the day's discoveries. The event exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines the baking community.
Exhibitor Spotlights: Notable U.S. Companies I Met (Days 1 & 2)
From artisan ovens to automated packaging, these U.S. companies and associations stood out on the IBIE floor. I’m sharing links so your food & beverage teams can follow up directly—smart moves for procurement directors, foodservice executives, and anyone driving menu innovation and hospitality technology across the f&b ecosystem.
- Ecolab (https://www.ecolab.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecolab
- Standout: end-to-end sanitation programs—CIP chemistry, digital hygiene monitoring, and on-site audits that cut risk, water, and downtime across bakery lines.
- AB Mauri North America (https://www.abmna.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-mauri-north-america
- Standout: performance yeast, bakery ingredients, and clean-label dough conditioners/enzyme systems that extend softness and shelf life without additives.
- ADM Milling Company (https://www.adm.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adm
- Standout: tight-spec flours, functional wheat proteins, and regenerative agriculture sourcing—supporting consistency and sustainability KPIs.
- Dawn Foods (https://www.dawnfoods.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dawn-foods
- Standout: ready-to-finish mixes, icings, and inclusions with data-backed trending flavors (ube, pistachio) to speed menu innovation.
- Lesaffre (https://www.lesaffre.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lesaffre
- Standout: next-gen yeasts and sourdough solutions that boost tolerance, fermentation speed, and flavor while supporting clean-label goals.
- Pillsbury (https://www.pillsbury.com/) | Foodservice: https://www.generalmillscf.com/brands/pillsbury | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-mills-foodservice
- Standout: consistent, high-yield frozen doughs and ready-to-bake formats for commissaries, hotel bakeries, and institutional buyers.
- Anritsu Product Inspection & Detection (https://www.anritsu.com/en-US/infivis) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anritsu
- Standout: high-sensitivity metal detection and X-ray with advanced reject tracking, HACCP integration, and sanitary design for bakery packaging.
- Allied Bakery Equipment (https://www.alliedbake.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliedbakeryequipment
- Standout from our conversation: practical, space-savvy depositing and topping solutions (including CIP-ready systems) that make retrofit upgrades feasible without blowing up your layout—useful for fast-growing bakeries balancing throughput and footprint.
- Blueprint Automation (https://blueprintautomation.com/en/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueprint-automation
- Standout: vision-guided case packing with quick changeovers—nimble enough for short runs and viral flavors, robust enough for high-speed snack lines.
- Erika Record Baking Equipment (https://erikarecord.com/)
- Standout: hands-on approach to divider/rounders and mixers, plus their Baker’s Lab support—exactly what emerging wholesale bakeries need to dial in dough quality and consistency.
- Food Plant Engineering (https://foodplantengineering.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-plant-engineering
- Standout: hygienic facility design and expansion planning that respect product flow, zoning, and audit-readiness—smart for food and beverage companies scaling capacity.
- Formost Fuji (https://www.formostfuji.com/)
- Standout: sanitary flow-wrapping and bagging with tool-less access—helps reduce changeover time and supports stronger food safety programs on bakery and snack lines.
- Inline Plastics Corporation (https://www.inlineplastics.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inline-plastics-corp-
- Standout: Safe-T-Fresh tamper-evident packaging and PCR content integration—aligns with food and beverage sustainability goals without sacrificing shelf appeal.
- LeMatic (https://lematic.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lematic-inc
- Standout: robotics, vision-enabled slicing, and packaging automation—clear productivity gains for institutional buyers modernizing high-volume lines.
- Middleby Bakery Group (https://www.middleby.com/brand\_category/food-processing/)
- Standout: integrated cake/muffin systems and serpentine baking—end-to-end thinking that simplifies vendor coordination for complex bakery programs.
- Peerless Food Equipment (https://peerlessfood.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-peerless-group
- Standout: KleanVue open-frame mixers with sanitation-first design—great visibility and easier cleaning without compromising heavy-duty performance.
- Plan It Packaging Systems (https://www.planitpackaging.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plan-it-packaging-systems
- Standout: turnkey packaging lines, from form-fill-seal to end-of-line—helpful for foodservice and retail brands scaling SKUs quickly and cleanly.
- Rademaker USA (https://www.rademaker.com/) | North America: https://rademaker.com/contact/north-america | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rademaker-usa-llc
- Standout: high-precision sheeting and laminating with a strong systems-integration bench—ideal for laminated pastry and flatbread programs that need repeatability.
- Reading Bakery Systems (https://www.readingbakery.com/)
- Standout: data-driven baking with SCORPION 2 profiling and energy-forward oven tech—serious tools for food and beverage management teams targeting yield and energy KPIs.
- Revent Inc. (https://revent.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revent-group
- Standout: energy-efficient ONE-series rack ovens with compact footprints—smart fit for both retail bakeries and commissaries chasing consistency.
- WorkForge (https://workforge.com/)
- Standout: manufacturing-focused LMS with skills matrices and audit-ready reporting—exactly what food and beverage managers need to accelerate onboarding and standardize SOPs.
— Added innovators and ingredient leaders from the IBIE floor —
- Peterson Farms, Inc. (https://www.petersonfarmsinc.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peterson-farms-inc
- Standout: U.S.-grown fruits and custom prepped fillings/purees (aseptic and frozen) for pies, bars, and breakfast bakery—clean-label specs and steady supply.
- Farinart (https://farinart.ca/)
- Standout: custom bakery mixes and functional blends—with allergen-control and private label capabilities that speed R&D-to-plant commercialization.
- Barentz (https://www.barentz.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barentz
- Standout: full-portfolio ingredient distribution—enzymes, emulsifiers, improvers, and fortification systems plus technical support for consistent results.
- Primera Technology (https://www.primera.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primera-technology-inc-
- Standout: FDA/EU food-contact edible ink printing (Eddie) for cookies/chocolates—on-demand branding and seasonal SKUs without high MOQs.
- Nordic Ware (https://www.nordicware.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nordic-ware
- Standout: commercial-grade bakeware and custom molds—durable nonstick performance for consistent yields in high-volume environments.
- Rasco Industries (Bug Blocker Doors) (https://www.rascodoors.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rasco-industries-inc
- Standout: pest-exclusion screen doors engineered for food plants—FSMA/HACCP support, airflow, and security without compromising sanitation.
- FlexiBake (https://www.flexibake.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexibake-software
- Standout: bakery-specific ERP—lot traceability, labeling, costing, and production planning that simplify audits and improve margins.
- BakeMark (https://www.bakemark.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakemark
- Standout: one-stop ingredients portfolio—mixes, fillings, icings, inclusions—with nationwide distribution and technical field support.
- Western Foods (https://www.westernfoodsco.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westernfoodsco
- Standout: rice-based and gluten-free flours milled in dedicated facilities—clean labels and reliable functionality for better texture.
- Sprinkle Pop (https://sprinklepop.shop/) | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprinklepop.shop
- Standout: custom sprinkle blends and color-matched decorations—fast-turn solutions for seasonal and limited-time bakery launches.
- Cortina (National Cortina) (https://nationalcortina.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cortina
- Standout: transparent ingredient sourcing and tailored supply programs—clean spec builds that align with brand and retailer compliance.
- Quality Bakery Products (https://qbpus.com/)
- Standout: icings, glazes, fillings, frozen doughs—practical SKUs and Texas-based service for retail and wholesale bakeries.
- Custom Baking Products (https://www.custombakingproducts.com/)
- Standout: production aids like Quick Shine and release solutions—simple, cost-effective ways to improve finish and throughput.
- The Mennel Milling Company (https://www.mennelmilling.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mennel-milling-company
- Standout: consistent, spec-driven flours and custom blends—with technical support for process stability and quality gains.
- Ocean Spray Ingredient Solutions (https://www.oceanspray.com/Business) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocean-spray-cranberries
- Standout: sweetened dried cranberries, powders, and fruit prep—texture, flavor, and label-friendly fiber for bars and bakery.
- U.S. Sugar (https://www.ussugar.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-sugar
- Standout: domestic cane sugar supply with QA consistency—supporting price stability and contingency planning for national programs.
- Mochi Foods (https://www.mochifoods.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mochifoods
- Standout: mochi donut, waffle, and pancake bases—signature chew and differentiation for café programs and QSR innovation.
- All Pack Midwest (https://www.allpackmidwest.net/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-pack-midwest
- Standout: custom bakery boxes, windows, and inserts—brand-forward packaging with practical lead times for regional chains.
- Simmons Knife and Saw (https://simmonsknifeandsaw.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-knife-and-saw
- Standout: high-performance bandknives and blades for bread and bun slicing—longer runs, cleaner cuts, fewer changeovers.
- Joy Baking Group (Joy Cone) (https://joycone.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joy-baking-group
- Standout: cones, wafers, and dessert carriers at scale—smart extensions for bakery-deli and frozen novelty programs.
- Rogelfrut (https://rogelfrut.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rogelfrut
- Standout: premium frozen fruit and purées—consistent flavor/texture inputs for laminated pastries, fillings, and entremets.
- PreGel America (https://www.pregelamerica.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pregel-america-inc-
- Standout: pastry and gelato solutions—stabilizers, glazes, pastes, and ready mixes that speed R&D and maintain quality.
- Blendtek (https://blendtek.ca/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blendtek-ingredients
- Standout: functional ingredients and custom blending—texture, shelf-life, and nutrition optimization for modern bakery.
- FoodTools (https://foodtools.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodtools
- Standout: automated cake and bar slicing/portioning—uniform cuts, labor savings, and cleaner presentation at scale.
- Lloyd Pans (https://www.lloydpans.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lloyd-industries-inc
- Standout: precision-engineered pans and bakeware—hard-anodized durability for consistent bakes and easy release.
- Shoes For Crews (https://www.shoesforcrews.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shoes-for-crews
- Standout: slip-resistant footwear programs—safety, comfort, and fewer lost-time incidents for bakery and foodservice teams.
- Nielsen-Massey Vanillas (https://nielsenmassey.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielsen-massey-vanillas
- Standout: premium vanilla extracts and pastes—clean-label flavor building blocks for indulgent bakery.
- Columbus Vegetable Oils (https://www.cvoils.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-vegetable-oils
- Standout: shortenings, fry oils, and custom blends—application support to balance cost, performance, and nutrition targets.
- Satin Ice (https://www.satinice.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satin-ice
- Standout: professional fondant, gum paste, and ready-to-use décor—consistent workability and vibrant finishes.
- Bundy Baking Solutions (https://www.bundybakingsolutions.com/) | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bundy-baking-solutions
- Standout: end-to-end pan systems (American Pan), coatings (Synova), and tooling (Chicago Metallic)—process reliability from mix to bake to release.
If we connected at your booth and missed you here, shoot us a note so we can include you in our ongoing Food & Beverage Magazine coverage (http://www.fb101.com).
Educational Opportunities Through IBIEducate
The IBIEducate program launched with comprehensive sessions covering everything from food safety trends to menu innovation strategies. Restaurant owners, hospitality managers, and food and beverage directors participated in workshops designed to address current industry challenges and emerging opportunities.
Key educational themes included:
- Advanced food safety protocols and certification requirements
- Supply chain optimization strategies for volatile markets
- Consumer trend analysis and product development insights
- Technology integration for improved operational efficiency
Looking Ahead: Setting Expectations for the Remainder of IBIE 2025
The first two days established IBIE 2025 as more than just a trade show – it's a comprehensive industry summit where innovation, education, and community converge. The quality of exhibitors, the depth of educational programming, and the energy of attendees all pointed toward a week that would significantly impact the food and beverage industry.
The Human Element: Personal Connections Drive Industry Success
Beyond the impressive technology demonstrations and product launches, the most valuable aspect of IBIE 2025's opening days was the human connections being forged. In an industry increasingly dominated by digital interactions, face-to-face meetings remain irreplaceable for building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating partnerships that drive innovation.
Innovation Showcase Highlights
The Innovation Showcase featured cutting-edge products and services that represent the future of commercial baking. These solutions address real-world challenges faced by hospitality industry professionals, from inventory management systems to customer experience enhancements.
Competitive Spirit and Professional Excellence
The various competitions running throughout IBIE 2025 serve multiple purposes beyond entertainment. They showcase technical excellence, inspire innovation, and provide learning opportunities for attendees at all levels. The Panettone World Cup and World Bread Awards USA, scheduled for later in the week, promise to continue this tradition of celebrating professional achievement.
Industry Outlook and Future Opportunities
The first two days of IBIE 2025 revealed an industry that's adapting, innovating, and thriving despite ongoing challenges. The focus on sustainability, technology integration, and health-conscious products reflects broader consumer trends and regulatory requirements that smart food and beverage companies are addressing proactively.
The remainder of the week promises continued excitement with additional competitions, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. For industry professionals who couldn't attend in person, many exhibitors are leveraging social media platforms to share their innovations and connect with broader audiences.
The energy and innovation witnessed during these opening days confirm that the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, driven by passionate professionals committed to excellence, sustainability, and meeting changing consumer demands.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
