Iba 2015—held Sept. 12-17 in Munich—drew more than 77,500 visitors, an increase of 10 percent compared to iba 2012, according to show organizer GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH. Show attendees hailed from more than 170 countries and placed a total of 1.3 billion euros in orders with iba’s 1,309 exhibitors.

Novelties topped the list of the majority of buyers attending iba 2015, with 95.2 percent of visitors giving the show top marks in this category. New products and inspirations for everyday business in all areas of the industry, including production technology, packaging, logistics, raw materials, energy, hygiene, shop fitting, snacks, coffee, marketing and sales concepts, also greeted attendees. Ninety-five percent of those asked stated that the exhibitors represented all sectors of the industry.

Exhibitors, meanwhile, noted that their presence at the trade fair would enable them to increase their customer network and look after existing business relationships. They also cited the professional expertise of both domestic and foreign visitors, with 85 percent of exhibiting companies giving top marks to the quality of the visitors.

Several special venues at iba 2015 were also met with “great approval” by exhibitors and visitors. According to GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, SnackTrendS (87.7 percent), COFFEEWORLD (86.6 percent) and Packaging Area (81.7 percent) received “good or excellent” ratings their first appearance. The new orientation tools for the 12 exhibition halls, HandwerksGuide (“Guide to the Artisan Bakeries”) and SnackGuide were also well received by visitors.

The next edition of iba will take place Sept. 15–20, 2018, in Munich. For more information, visit www.iba.de.

Photo courtesy of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH