IBAKTECH
IBAKTECH Sees 46% Increase in International Visitors. IBAKTECH, the world’s second largest and Eurasia’s largest international fair in its field, brought together professionals from the bakery industry, chocolate, ice cream, and confectionery producers, as well as the HORECA sector, for the 14th time at the Istanbul Fair Center from April 24th to 27th. Ufuk Altıntop, General Manager of Messe Stuttgart Ares Fuarcılık, announced the numerical data, revealing that this year IBAKTECH broke its own record by reaching 92,482 visitors, with an international visitor count of 10,566, marking a 46% increase compared to 2022. Additionally, the previously announced target of 4 billion Euros in trade volume was surpassed.
IBAKTECH Surpasses 4 Billion Euro Target
Ufuk Altıntop, General Manager of Messe Stuttgart Ares Fuarcılık, emphasized the significance of the IBAKTECH fair in the industry, stating, “This year, IBAKTECH set a new record by reaching 92,482 visitors. The international visitor count saw a 46% increase, reaching 10,566.
We are delighted to have exceeded the previously announced target of 4 billion Euros. IBAKTECH not only provided opportunities for participants to reach new markets but also highlighted the importance of industry professionals’ investment decisions as an international trade platform.
With this success, it maintains its position as the world’s second largest fair in its field. Participants and visitors alike use this fair to stay updated on industry developments, establish connections with potential new business partners, and seize opportunities to enter international markets.”
UNESCO Heritage Products in Turkey
Dominique Anract, President of the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC), commented on the importance of traditional baking methods and highlighted the potential for Turkish products to be registered as UNESCO heritage.
Anract stated, “In France, there are 30,000 people working in the bakery sector. We face four major problems in the sector: pricing, energy crisis, competition between small-scale artisanal producers and large industrial producers, and the health issue. We value artisanal heritage over large bread chains and believe this emphasizes the importance of human health. I have heard of IBAKTECH during my international visits and was curious about it.
I am delighted to be here today to personally visit the fair. Bread is very important and traditional in Turkey. There is much we can learn from each other about bread production in Turkey. In France, we have registered baguettes as UNESCO heritage. I believe there are many products in Turkey that could also be registered as such. Our goal is to modernize working techniques while preserving traditional recipes.”
FEDIMA Members’ Total Revenue Reaches 6.7 Billion Euros
Thomas Lesaffre, President of the Federation of European Manufacturers and Suppliers of Ingredients for the Bakery, Confectionery, and Pasta Industries (FEDIMA), highlighted the sector’s significant growth in recent years. Lesaffre stated, “We have seen a strong growth in Europe, especially in the last two years post-COVID, with a 30% increase in our members’ revenue.
There is also a 9% increase in employment. The total revenue of Fedima members in Europe and Turkey is 6.7 billion Euros. Looking at exports made by our members (ingredients or material exports), there has been a 20% increase from Europe between 2022 and 2023.
Despite positive developments, there are challenges. Finding qualified workers is difficult, and rising raw material prices are also challenging. Since June 2022, prices have increased by 8-14%, mainly due to general inflation. There are also challenges related to the supply chain, with logistics issues worldwide and difficulty in sourcing raw materials.”
IBAKTECH: An Inspiration Hub for Industry Professionals
Thomas Lesaffre further commented, “All GIDABIL members under the umbrella of FEDIMA, including Turkey, rank second in terms of market share after Germany. We hold our general assembly in a different country every year.
This year, we will hold it in Turkey in September. Our goal is to delve deeper into the Turkish market and create new partnerships. In this regard, IBAKTECH is a very successful fair, bringing together people of different nationalities. Visitors are inspired by the market developments at IBAKTECH. Turkish producers should also produce globally.
We observe an increase in demand for even a simple bread here in other countries. Turkish producers can also bring products from different regions of the world to Turkey and offer them to consumers. The main element here is ‘enjoyment,’ enjoying taste. It is beneficial to consider this when devising strategies.”