Last updated on June 14th, 2024 at 10:44 am
As the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association expo kicked into its second day, visitors and exhibitors from around the world are showcasing their products.
The show is being attended by more than 10,000 visitors with over 800 exhibits. Like many longstanding events, the IDDBA had taken a pandemic induced hiatus and many people are excited to see it return.
Expo attendees are experiencing brands of all market sizes from every corner of the world. For many exhibitors, it is like a “family reunion” as members of the bakery, deli meat, food packaging, dairy and prepared and on-the-go food manufacturers and distributors converge in Atlanta on June 7.
This year features four distinct sections beyond these general categories. The IDDBA’s international; organic, all-natural and plant-based; Visionary Pavilion and the What’s in Store Live highlight different products within their scope for retailers and wholesalers to consider for their business, according to Whitney Atkins, VP of marketing for IDDBA.
“Our all-natural section is definitely one of our biggest sections and has been for quite a few years,” Atkins said in an interview on the second day of the expo. “These types of products are really in high demand by consumers right now and this continues to be a way for retailers and wholesalers to meet with these companies, learn about their products and help meet the needs of their consumers.”
As expo goers move between the different pavilions, they will have the chance to meet with representatives of some of the largest brands in the world as well as learn of products that are new to either the expo or even the market itself.
St. Pierre, the largest brioche bakery brand in the United States, according to March 2022 Nielsen Data, is featured right near the entrance to the expo in the international section. Paul Baker, founder of St. Pierre, has been attending the expo for more than a decade.
“IDDBA is the show that really helped us get established in America. So, when we first came here about 10 years ago, we literally just had a table…For the first three years, we actually didn’t sell one product at all,” Baker said. “We just came and we learned and we listened.”
Even brands with large product lines have set up booths in the organic section this year. The pasta brand, Buitoni, was showcasing its made-from-plants Impossible raviolis, which come in beef and italian sausage flavors. It is also touting its newest line of non-GMO pesto flavors, which come in sun-dried tomato, spinach and artichoke and spicy red pepper pesto.
“These products just became available in the later parts of last year,” said Richard Murphy, Northeast director of sales. “We are proud to be able to bring customers the meat alternatives and healthier non-GMO options in these products.”
The expo’s Visionary Pavilion is where IDDBA has placed its “first time exhibitors and innovators” and smaller brands, according to Atkins.
“It’s a great way for our first time exhibitors and innovators, as well as some of the smaller brands to have a place to showcase their products. It’s also a great way for some of the bigger brands to come by and see what the newest products are,” Atkins said.
Country music star Tim McGraw closed the second day of the show just after the floor closed as expo goers became concert goers in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom.
For more of The Shelby Report’s coverage from day one of IDDBA, click here.
To see The Shelby Report’s photo gallery from day two, click here.
For more information regarding IDDBA, visit the organization’s website here.
