LAS VEGAS — After three years of anticipation, IBIE 2025 is finally here.
The triennial event, taking place Sept. 13-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from Jorge Zarate and Allen Wright, IBIE 2025 chair and vice chair, respectively, as well as the ceremonial bread-cutting.
Zarate highlighted some of bakers’ top topics going into this Baking Expo cycle, including the rise of AI use, shifting consumer expectations and regulatory changes.
“Every time we gather at IBIE, the world looks a little different,” he said. “But the spirit of this industry remains the same: resilient, innovative and always moving forward.”
He highlighted a number of improvements the planning committee made to better the industry’s experience at the event. This includes the expansion of IBIEducate programming to more than 250 sessions, IBIE’s partnership with Mexipan to bring Spanish education to the show and the addition of the Wholesale Bakers Center.
“Our bakers travel from across the country and around the world, with many traveling thousands of miles for world-class education and a first-look at the newest products, technologies and solutions shaping the global baking landscape,” Zarate said. “Our committee has worked hard to make their experience seamless with dedicated programs, amenities and translation services designed specifically for their needs.”
Wright, who is the incoming chair of IBIE 2028, reflected on his history with the event and the purpose it serves in uniting professionals from all aspects of the industry.
“This show brings us together in a way that very few events can,” he said. “Over the 10 shows and 20-plus years I’ve been at the event, I’ve seen it grow, evolve and respond to the needs of the industry, and this show is no exception.”
He highlighted some of those evolutions and how suppliers have innovated accordingly to ensure bakers have what they need to continue their work.
“You’re going to find on the show floor that the response from the suppliers has been incredible,” Wright said. “From smarter equipment to cleaner formulations and connected technologies, they’ve been working hard to keep pace, and I can’t wait for you to get out on the show floor and see what the suppliers have done and just how far the industry has come in a short time. From robotics and automation to next-gen ingredient solutions, packaging, technology and sustainability tools, innovation is everywhere in these halls.”
Wright also took a moment to recognize Zarate’s commitment, ongoing contributions to baking and the lasting impact he’s had on the industry.
“Jorge’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to making this IBIE successful has been inspiring for all of us,” Wright said.
