International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) will participate in the government's International Buyer Program in recognition of its role as a global marketplace for baking equipment, ingredients and supplies.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently selected IBIE 2010 to be a part of its program. Earlier this year, the IBIE committee indicated that it would seek to be a part of the program to boost its international attendance.

The next IBIE runs from Sept. 26-29, 2010, in Las Vegas.

The International Buyer Program, part of the U.S. Commercial Service, recruits qualified foreign buyers, sales representatives and business partners in more than 80 countries to participate in U.S. trade shows each year.

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States and, consequently, a growing number of American businesses - including suppliers to the baking industry - are looking to export with help from the U.S. Department of Commerce,” says Carol Rudman, senior trade specialist. “Whether an exhibitor is new-to-export or wants to expand its international presence, we have the expertise to help them diversify their portfolio and add to the bottom line.”

The International Trade Center, managed by the U.S. Commercial Service staff, will provide counseling on exporting, opportunities to meet international delegations and a setting to explore and pursue export markets in which to sell products and services globally.

IBIE and the International Buyer Program also will collaborate on an educational program designed to assist IBIE exhibitors in navigating the global marketplace.

Attendees will receive an Export Interest Directory featuring those exhibitors that have expressed an interest in export opportunities, listed by product category.

“The International Buyer Program will not only help us to attract more foreign buyers in 2010, but will strengthen the awareness of our event, and what it represents as the world’s resource for baking technology, equipment and supplies, to a global audience, says Mike Beaty, IBIE vice chairman and senior vice president of supply chain at Flowers Foods, Thomasville, Ga. “Being awarded this designation, and recognized by the Department of Commerce as a viable trade show worthy of this level of valuable support, will be a wonderful opportunity for IBIE and its exhibiting companies.”