Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2025) — The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), the Western Hemisphere’s largest and most comprehensive baking event, returned to Las Vegas September 13–17, bringing together thousands of baking professionals, suppliers, and artisans. Once again, IBIE 2025 equipped the global baking community with the tools, knowledge, and connections to tackle the latest challenges and shape the future of the industry.
This year’s event brought together more than 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the globe, showcasing the latest advancements in technology, ingredients, equipment, and packaging solutions. The sold-out show floor reached a record 451,100 square feet — the largest in IBIE’s 105-year history, reflecting a 9% increase over the previous edition.
The show also hosted its largest education program ever, with more than 250 IBIEducate sessions and demos included free for all registrants. Programming ranged from AI and automation to formulation innovation and scaling SMBs — empowering businesses to thrive in an evolving marketplace. IBIE drew increased participation from Gen Z (+8%) and Millennials (+43%), reinforcing its position as the premier workforce development resource for the baking industry and a key driver in closing the skills gap.
IBIE Chair Jorge Zarate, global senior vice president of operations and engineering at Grupo Bimbo, acknowledged the realities behind this year’s numbers, noting, “While baker attendance at IBIE was slightly lower — largely reflecting today’s economic pressures and complexities in international travel — we saw strong performance in the number of baking companies participating, many of which chose to send leaner teams to manage costs. Even so, the energy on the show floor and the level of engagement were remarkable, underscoring that IBIE remains an essential event driving progress and continuity for our industry.”
IBIE by the Numbers
IBIE 2025 delivered measurable impact across every dimension — from exhibitors and education to international reach.
· 1,005 exhibitors — including 486 new exhibitors
· 451,100 sq. ft. of sold-out exhibit space — a new record (+9% vs. 2022)
· 250+ education sessions and demos included for all registrants
· Overall registration down just 4%, despite global economic and travel headwinds
· Baker attendance decreased 8% compared to 2022; yet the number of baking companies represented rose 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
· Attendees were vetted and highly qualified, with 91% identifying as purchasing decision-makers or influential in the process.
· 96 countries represented, including 27 official delegations.
· 28% of buyers were international, with 74% of those from the Americas — led by Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru.
Show Highlights and Competitions
Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie — Americas Selection
IBIE hosted international baking teams competing in Bakery, Viennoiserie, and Artistic Bread Showpiece categories. Teams from Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, and the US brought world-class skill and creativity to the competition, with just two advancing to the world finals in Paris.
· First Place Winner: Team Canada
· Second Place Winner: Team USA
World Bread Awards USA
The “Oscars of Bread” returned to IBIE, with 12 categories showcasing a spectrum of bread styles from sourdough to bagels. A distinguished panel of judges evaluated baked goods live on-site in front of enthusiastic audiences, awarding standout loaves with trophies and a cash grand prize.
· Overall Winner: Guy Frenkel – Céor Bakery
To learn more about individual category winners, visit the IBIE website HERE.
Panettone World Cup — Americas Selection
Debuting at IBIE 2025, the competition showcased top pastry chefs from across the Western Hemisphere in a festive contest celebrating the art and heritage of Panettone baking. Winners, selected by an esteemed panel of judges, will advance to the global finals in Milan, Italy.
· Traditional Category Winners:
o Martinez Jaime from the USA
o Emmidio Isernia of Canada
· Chocolate Category Winners:
o Flores Torres Wilson of Ecuador
o Vielma Ammary Coromoto from the USA
Creative Cake Decorating Competition
The Pillsbury Creative Cake Decorating Competition featured six elite teams competing across four categories: Wedding Cake, Rolled Fondant, Sculpted Cake, and Buttercream. The 20th edition of the contest brought together some of the industry’s most talented cake decorators, going head-to-head in a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
· Overall Winners: Sabrina Sigouin (La Belle Patissiere) and Sandra Major (Le Sucre au Fou)
· Wedding Category: Aaron McInnis and Juanita Tobin (Happy Belly Cakery)
· Fondant Category: Jean Schapowal (Cakes w Character) and Jesse Lesser (Jesse Lesser Cakes)
· Sculpted Category: Sabrina Sigouin (La Belle Patissiere) and Sandra Major (Le Sucre au Fou)
· Buttercream Category: Carlos Mendez and Agnieszka (Agnes) Mendez (Cakes by Carlos)
BEST In Baking — Industry Awards
IBIE, in collaboration with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery magazine, recognized more than 65 industry suppliers and bakeries that have achieved particularly notable milestones in sustainability, sustainable packaging innovation, sanitation, workforce development, plant efficiency and automation & robotics. In the sixth edition of this industry awards program, the following companies earned top honors in each of the respective categories and received an honorary plaque, onsite recognition and more. The 2025 BEST in Baking industry top-honors include:
· SUSTAINABILITY:
o Ingredients Supplier: Puratos — Cubease dough conditioner
o Equipment Supplier: Puratos — MECATHERM S.A. – Energy Recovery System combined with Hygro Control System
· [NEW] SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING INNOVATION:
o Retail Bakery: JAMMPCO — The TA-DAA Box
o Wholesale Bakery: KIND Snacks – Paper Wrapper Pilot
o Supplier: Ardent Mills – Stretch Wrap Reduction Program
· SANITATION:
o Wholesale Bakery: Nummies Bakery – Supreme Sanitation Program
o Supplier: Goodway Technologies – PureBelt Modular Cleaning System
· WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT:
o Retail Bakery: Rising Above Bakery Inc. – Individuals with special needs as equal members in the bakery’s workforce
o Wholesale Bakery: Craftmark Bakery – The Power of Lean Training to Maximize Operational Efficiencies and Employee Engagement
o Supplier: Puratos – Calling for Caring: Our Commitment to Employee Wellbeing
· PLANT EFFICIENCY:
o Wholesale Bakery: Bimbo Bakeries USA – Baked for Nature: Strategic Energy Management and Net Zero Carbon
o Supplier: Intralox, LLC – ZeroSplice Technology
· AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS:
o Wholesale Bakery: New Horizons Baking Co. – Smart Autonomous Bun Production System (SABPS)
o Supplier: JLS Automation – Peregrine IS Robotic Cartoning System
For the full list of qualifiers, visit the IBIE website HERE.
IBIE 2025 Highlights
· The RBA Retail Bakers Center hosted live demos, competitions, and inspiring stories from leading retail bakers, pastry chefs, and cake artists — including Buddy Valastro, Duff Goldman, Paulina Abascal, and Iginio Massari, along with rising social influencers Greg Mason and Benjamin the Baker, plus international standouts such as Wu Tzu-Ching and Iván Zavala.
· The Rockin’ Pint concert — featuring Wang Chung and Duff Goldman’s band Foie Grock — energized attendees with live ’80s music and networking opportunities.
· Chef Talks debuted as part of IBIEducate’s international programming, spotlighting Latin American culinary expertise with presentations in Spanish.
· IBIE also provided real-time translation services for nearly all education sessions and demos, expanding accessibility for global attendees.
Industry Leaders Reflect on IBIE 2025
“IBIE 2025 is a powerful reflection of our industry’s energy and strength” said IBIE Chair Jorge Zarate, global senior vice president of operations and engineering at Grupo Bimbo, “The sense of innovation is unmistakable — seeing professionals from across the industry come together to share ideas, confront challenges, and set new standards for excellence makes this event truly special. I couldn’t be more proud of how our community shows up.”
Allen Wright, IBIE 2025 vice-chair and president of Hansaloy shares his enthusiasm. “The show floor was buzzing with innovation, meaningful connections, and a true spirit of collaboration — proof that when our industry comes together, we move forward with greater energy and vision. IBIE’s success this year is a testament to the dedication and passion at the heart of the global baking community.”
“The camaraderie, passion, and knowledge-sharing at IBIE were truly palpable,” said Amie Smith, IBIE committee member and RBA president. “The event fosters generosity in sharing expertise and creating lasting connections, supporting everyone from cottage bakers to large manufacturers. At its core, IBIE sets the gold standard for education through IBIEducate and top-notch talent presenting at the RBA Retail Bakers Center.”
Looking Ahead
IBIE 2025 reinforced its reputation as the must-attend event for baking industry professionals worldwide, delivering unmatched business opportunities, education, and inspiration. As the industry looks forward to its next gathering, IBIE invites bakers, manufacturers, and suppliers to mark their calendars for September 10-13, 2028, when the Expo will once again unite the baking world in Las Vegas.
For more information and updates, visit www.BakingExpo.com.
Media Assets
A gallery of photos from IBIE 2025 is available for download here. Daily recap footage and backstage interviews with notable presenters are hosted in the video library.
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