Michael Wippler on tradition and innovation

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Michael Wippler on tradition and innovation

22 Oct 2023

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

MUNICH — After a five-year wait, iba, taking place Oct. 22-26 in Munich, was officially declared open. The international bakery show, which suffered several delays due to the pandemic, opened its doors with more than 1,000 exhibitors.

During opening remarks, Michael Wippler, president of the German Bakers Confederation, which is a sponsor of iba, praised the international tradeshow for its flexibility and adaptability over the past 75 years.

The first iba was held in Cologne, Germany, in 1949, following World War II and its subsequent economic disruption. Wippler noted the show launched during a time of crisis and has maintained its strength in overcoming adversity.

It’s a testament to the resiliency of the baking industry and its need for innovation.

“One thing is for certain,” Wippler said. “Development is not going to stop. It’s only going to move further ahead.”

In reflecting on the show’s history, Wippler shared his thoughts on the relationship between tradition and innovation.

Tradition, he explained, is the passing of knowledge and skills to the next generation.

“It brings sovereignty, self-control and independence,” he said. “Tradition is similar to the roots of a tree.”

Conversely, Wippler described innovation as all that is new. It’s about developing new products and systems to keep the industry moving forward.

“iba is the ideal foundation for innovation exchange.”
— Michael Wippler | president |
German Bakers’ Confederation

“Innovation is about creating the environment that allows that tree to grow and flourish,” he said. “It’s what creates the branches and leaves.”

Tradition and innovation cannot be thought of as either-or concepts. They work together, one as a foundation and the other as growth.

“iba is the ideal foundation for innovation exchange,” Wippler said, as he declared the show officially open.

After attending 11 iba trade shows, Wippler announced this will be his last iba as the confederation’s president.

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