NEWS
IBA 2025 Düsseldorf: A New Direction and Technological Leap for the Bakery Industry
IBA 2025 in Düsseldorf showcased the latest innovations in the bakery industry: hybrid ovens, AI quality control, and the rise of premium products. Baron Foodtech’s decades of experience and holistic service approach ensure that our customers can take full advantage of these opportunities.
IBA 2025 was once again held in Düsseldorf, returning to the city after a long break. This historic comeback created a new atmosphere and offered broader opportunities to showcase industry developments. The event brought together leading equipment manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, consultants, and bakery entrepreneurs, providing a unique insight into how tradition and innovation are merging in the bakery industry.
The Importance of IBA for the Bakery Sector
Since 1949, IBA has been the most important stage for new product launches and networking within the bakery industry. In Düsseldorf, more than 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from over 170 countries gathered to explore the future of the industry. This year’s event focused particularly on energy efficiency, automation, sustainability, and creating more meaningful work.
The fair is more than just a place to showcase machines and new products – it’s a forum for discussing the future of the sector and sharing knowledge about the needs and trends of different markets. That makes it a unique and valuable event for the entire bakery industry.
Energy Transition from Gas to Electricity – Hybrid Solutions for Flexibility
Energy efficiency and sustainability were key themes at the fair. Electric ovens are increasingly popular due to their better energy efficiency and lower emissions. A notable new trend is the introduction of hybrid ovens that can quickly switch between gas and electricity. This flexibility allows bakeries to adapt to fluctuating energy prices and ensures more stable production costs.
Hybrid ovens help bakeries better control costs while supporting sustainability targets and enhancing production process efficiency.
Automation – A Solution to Labor Challenges and Physical Strain
Automation is no longer just about cutting costs. It has become a crucial part of modern bakeries, addressing labor shortages and reducing physically demanding work. In many regions, it’s difficult to find enough employees, and heavy manual labor doesn’t attract new workers. Automation offers a solution by reducing the physical strain and freeing up employees for more meaningful tasks.
At IBA 2025, a wide range of automated dough handling and baking processes were showcased, improving product consistency and reducing waste. At the same time, automation helps improve working conditions and makes production processes more predictable.
Artificial Intelligence in Bakeries – Cautious but Steady Progress
The bakery industry is known for its traditional and conservative nature, but artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly making inroads. At the fair, we saw AI-driven systems that detect line deviations and quality issues in real time. AI can also be used to analyze production data, optimize processes, and reduce waste.
While AI adoption is still in its early stages for many bakeries, IBA 2025 clearly showed that forward-thinking companies are already recognizing its potential as a competitive advantage.
The Rise of Premium Products and Changing Consumer Expectations
Consumers are increasingly looking for new taste experiences, authenticity, and premium quality. The fair showcased a clear trend toward artisan breads, high-quality premium pizzas, and handcrafted products. This shift challenges bakeries to invest in product development, quality, and brand building.
The rise of premium bakery products isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a lasting shift that creates opportunities for bakeries to stand out from competitors.
A Veteran’s Perspective – How IBA Has Changed from the 1990s to Today
Esa Harju, Baron Foodtech’s Senior Consultant, who has attended IBA since the early 1990s, shares his thoughts on how the fair and the industry have evolved:
“I first attended IBA in the early 90s, when the Bakery Association and wholesalers organized joint trips. At that time, not everyone had strong language skills, so these shared trips were a great way to see the fair and build networks. The booths were centered around equipment manufacturers, and negotiations often took place on the spot.
Today, language skills are much better – everyone speaks English, and machine suppliers actively help connect customers with the right solutions and present new technologies. Associations no longer organize joint trips; customers come on their own. The structure of the fair has also changed: many large companies have big booths that bring multiple brands together under one ownership umbrella. Mergers and acquisitions have increased significantly, and major groups are growing larger all the time.
One of the most significant single innovations I remember was the introduction of a pretzel robot about 20 years ago. It was a big deal back then and showed how automation can transform even the most traditional processes. This year didn’t bring huge new innovations, but it’s important to understand that you don’t need to host the fair every year – not everything evolves that quickly.”
Baron Foodtech’s Role in Supporting the Bakery Industry
At Baron Foodtech, we have been utilizing 3D modeling at all stages of design for years, from initial sketches to precise production models. Previously, 2D models were more commonly used, but now the demand for 3D models has grown significantly on the customer side as well. Equipment manufacturers are also increasingly offering 3D models for our use, which accelerates design and improves collaboration between various stakeholders.
This trend was clearly visible at the trade fair: 3D modeling and digital design have become increasingly important in the bakery industry.
We offer our customers comprehensive services from design and project management to implementation. We support our clients from start to finish, ensuring that investment projects run smoothly and stay on schedule. Our services cover 3D design, investment simulation, technical expertise, and project management – everything a modern and responsible bakery needs to succeed.
With decades of experience in the field, Baron Foodtech understands the unique features and challenges of the bakery industry. Together, we build the future of baking – always on the baker’s side of the table.