Discovering new products was a priority for most of the professional visitors who came from over 170 countries visiting Iba this year. A wish that was fulfilled, according to surveys, since 95% of them said that with what the 1,390 exhibitors from 57 different countries supplied, they have been able to acquire a comprehensive view of the industry.

The exhibitors have also been very pleased with both the high professionalism of the national and foreign visitors as well as with having the opportunity to strengthen their business relationships with their current and future customers.

A good general atmosphere was confirmed by Dieter Dohr as well, CEO of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH. “An inspiring, very positive mood was experienced in the six days of the fair. The exhibitors were able to meet customers from every continent and visitors have welcomed with open arms our new ideas in the exhibition organization and guided visits for bakers and pastry chefs. I am particularly pleased because we were able to increase the number of domestic visitors with what we offered.”

The UIBC CUP “Confectioners” competition was held in the fair, a competition in which four countries (Germany, Norway, South Korea and Taiwan) competed to win the gold medal. The theme this year was “Circus” and the participants had to produce a decorative sugar piece, chocolate, marzipan and nougat – or a combination of these ingredients – three different petits fours, three different caramelized almonds, two figurines, and a national specialty integrating a cake. The victory went to the Taiwanese team, formed by Hao Peng and Chia Ming Yang.