SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 4, 2025 – The baking and confectionery industry is entering a new era of operational excellence, as digitalisation and artificial intelligence take the spotlight at iba 2025 in Düsseldorf. As the world’s leading trade fair for the baking sector, iba is showcasing cutting-edge digital solutions designed to optimize production, streamline staffing, and elevate customer engagement—positioning the event as a critical platform for B2B innovation in food manufacturing and retail.
A Showcase for Smart Bakery Technologies
At the heart of this transformation is the new iba.DIGITALISATION AREA in Hall 14, where visitors will encounter the fully operational “bakery of the future.” Spearheaded by AHA 360° and network partner Shop-IQ, this 450-square-meter space features live demonstrations of intelligent bakery operations, including catering and live baking under various business models such as full service, hybrid, and self-service.
Key innovations include:
- AI-powered shop assistant by AHA 360°, designed to automate staff training, lower operational costs, and drive sales.
- AHA Light Cube, an advanced lighting solution enhancing the customer experience and shop ambiance.
Michael Mayer, Managing Director of AHA 360°, emphasized, “As a reliable partner for bakers, we are constantly striving to build customised and refinanceable shops that make our customers more successful. Visitors to the trade fair will be able to experience how deeply we dive into this with our AI solutions live at our stand.”
Streamlined Operations Through Digital Integration
Supporting partners such as FoodTracks, Samuelson, semco, and Shop-IQ will present additional digital innovations targeting efficiency and employee relief. These include:
- Intelligent price tags and digital displays
- Real-time baking process planning
- Optimized digital HACCP monitoring and documentation
David Holzwarth, Managing Director of Shop-IQ, noted, “We have digital solutions to relieve employees: in the planning and execution of the baking process – with new digital price tags, displays for the shop window and optimised digital HACCP monitoring and documentation.”
Data-Driven Baking for Sustainability and Sales Growth
Exhibits will demonstrate how artificial intelligence is being used to minimize waste and increase productivity. By analyzing real-time demand, AI systems calculate optimal production levels, reducing surplus while ensuring availability. These systems also integrate external data—such as weather patterns and seasonal trends—to fine-tune inventory and staffing.
Additionally, intelligent assistants help front-line workers by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven guidance, leading to better customer service and higher conversion rates.
Cloud-Based Workforce Management and Customer Loyalty Tools
Beyond the bakery floor, iba exhibitors are showcasing workforce and customer engagement technologies. E2N GmbH (Hall 13) will present its cloud-based HR platform, which offers:
- Cross-branch staff scheduling
- Revenue-based productivity tracking
- Digital timekeeping and controlling
Copago, a digitalisation partner for bakery retail, will demonstrate tools to enhance customer retention, including:
- Cloud-connected check-out systems
- Loyalty apps
- Digital receipts
These tools are increasingly critical as bakeries adapt to labor shortages and rising customer expectations.
Automation and AI-Powered Equipment in Focus
With the skilled labor shortage persisting, automation is no longer optional. In Hall 12, leading manufacturers such as König Maschinen will display robotic baking systems and AI-enabled ovens, delivering consistent quality while easing manual workloads. These innovations highlight the ongoing shift toward intelligent production ecosystems.
Industry professionals can locate exhibitors by digital focus through the iba platform’s search functionality, which also hosts in-depth reports such as “Increasing Sales with AI Solutions.”
Live Expert Sessions at iba.STAGE
Adding to the immersive experience, expert talks on the iba.STAGE (Hall 15) will delve into future-focused topics:
- “Intelligent planning instead of estimating – using AI to optimise yields” (May 19, 2 p.m.)
- “Bakery concepts in transition” (May 18, 4 p.m.)
- “Predictive modelling for improved shelf life” (May 19, 3 p.m.)
These sessions offer practical insights for decision-makers seeking to modernize operations and embrace future-ready business models.
Looking Ahead to a Digital Future
With its robust agenda and forward-looking exhibitors, iba 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for professionals seeking to harness digitalisation in the baking industry. From AI-driven planning to cloud-based operations and automation, the innovations on display promise to redefine how bakeries operate, serve customers, and compete in a fast-evolving market.
Learn more and register for the event at www.iba.de.