Quality. I cannot tell you the number of times I heard this word at the 2024 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show this week. Exhibitors spoke of quality not just in terms of the products on display, but in terms of the buy-side attendance. Three days of sessions, expo, and more keep those attendees coming back to the show year after year.
“The IDDBA 2024 event was an amazing two and half days of education and connection. With over 2,200 exhibitors and 10,000 registered attendees, the excitement on the show floor was immeasurable. It was truly a perfect way to celebrate 60 years of supporting our industry by providing a place to come together under one roof and support success through connection and collaboration. It takes countless hours to bring this experience to our members and we could not be prouder of those who helped make this possible," Whitney Atkins, IDDBA's Vice President of Marketing, told me.
When the event kicked off on Sunday, showgoers flocked to a series of general sessions covering various industry topics. IDDBA hosted a session on trends, while former professional hockey player Matt Dunsmoor spoke on the “Infinite Game.” Rounding out the morning, Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro took to the stage to dive deep into bakery trends.
While the expo got underway, attendees could also enjoy What’s in Store Live & Workshops, the New Product Showcase, and a Salumi’d Charcuterie Showcase. IDDBA ended the evening with its Champions of Change Awards and What’s in Store Live Recognition Event.
General sessions on day two included a President’s Address from IDDBA’s David Haaf, a moderated Q&A with José Andrés, and the announcement of Pat Reser, Chair at Reser's Fine Foods, as the winner of the Chair’s Award. We wrapped up with an illuminating Q&A with international sensations Joanna and Chip Gaines, who shared the importance of a small business mindset and the love that grew their Magnolia brand into what it is today.
After the expo, attendees headed outside for IDDBA’s Monday Night Party. Beverages were plentiful and we had the chance to enjoy creations from several companies’ food trucks: Carlo’s Bake Shop, Cooper Cheese, Clyde’s Donuts, King’s Hawaiian, Panasonic, Pretzelized, and St Pierre. I may or may not have fangirled over meeting the Cake Boss himself!
The expo kicked off bright and early on the last day of the show. Matt Dunsmoor took to the stage once again to speak on generational leadership, Terry Brock discussed AI innovations, and Andrew Kennedy addressed FSMA 204 traceability. Day three also included a NextGen Networked workshop, IDDBA/RATIONAL Cooperative Education Intern Recognition, and the Cake’d Awards.
As we walked the floor, I asked some of our friends what they thought about the show:
Jenny Englert, Marketing Director, Saputo Dairy USA
“For us, at IDDBA we get some great customers coming in and some really valuable meetings. This time of year is perfect for holiday selling, so it’s a great opportunity for us to highlight our newer items and make sure they are up for consideration. We also love having the chance to see everything that’s new in the deli space.”
Umberto Marconi, Vice President of Marketing, BelGioioso Cheese
“We were very excited to be at the show this year. BelGioioso is always happy to reconnect with customers, and we’ve had some very interesting conversations with them. They are very interested in the new products we showcased, and we are looking forward to continuing the conversation after IDDBA.”
Liz Bleakley, Head of PR and Communications, St Pierre
“We always have the best time at IDDBA. This year we had a double-leveled booth with our neon orange branding—we try to make a real impact with these displays. Our big focus is currently on waffles; at the show we sampled a maple variety, and cinnamon and chocolate chip flavors will be coming later in the year.”
A round of applause for IDDBA on yet another successful show! We are forever in awe of this industry we get to call home.
