Bakery Technologies Set to Take Centre Stage at IDMA Istanbul 2026

The global grain and bakery industry will converge once again at IDMA Istanbul 2026, an international exhibition that continues to shape the future of grain, feed, pulses and now—more prominently—bakery technologies. Scheduled for June 25–27, 2026, at the Istanbul Expo Center, the event is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors and more than 10,000 professionals from nearly 100 countries.

This year’s edition marks a significant expansion, with bakery technologies taking a leading role. As bread, biscuits, pasta and other baked foods grow in global demand, IDMA 2026 positions the bakery sector as a strategic continuation of the grain-processing value chain.

Shifting Trends Drive Innovation

The bakery industry, now valued at USD 600 billion globally, is undergoing rapid transformation. Projections indicate the sector will exceed USD 780 billion by 2029, driven by shifts in consumption habits, rising costs, and demand for healthier, cleaner-label products.

Several key trends are shaping this growth:

• Automation and Robotics: Digitalized bakery lines now boost flexibility while maintaining consistent quality standards.
• Energy Efficiency: New oven systems that reduce electricity and gas consumption are becoming essential amid rising energy costs.
• Healthy Product Demand: Whole grain, gluten-free and additive-free offerings are pushing innovation in dough preparation and baking processes.
• Frozen and Par-baked Products: A fast-growing category, especially for hotels, retail chains and the catering sector, where standardization is crucial.

IDMA Istanbul 2026 will bring together manufacturers, solution providers, system integrators and investors to explore these evolving market dynamics.

Global Outlook Shows Rising Demand

The rise of bakery consumption is evident across continents:

• Africa: Bakery product consumption has grown by 12% in the last five years, buoyed by the expansion of packaged bread and biscuit production.
• Southeast Asia: A dietary shift from rice to wheat products is driving bakery sector growth at 6% annually.
• Europe & Middle East: High energy prices are forcing producers to adopt low-consumption, modular systems.
• Türkiye: The country maintained its position as the world’s top flour exporter in 2024, while its machinery sector recorded USD 3.7 billion in exports.

These trends confirm that bakery production is no longer just a subset of food manufacturing—it is now an independent field of advanced technology and innovation.

‍

A Complete Bakery Technology Showcase

At IDMA 2026, visitors will experience the full bakery production chain in one space. Exhibits will include:

• Advanced dough preparation and shaping systems
• Smart oven technologies
• Energy-saving and heat recovery equipment
• Packaging, distribution and sustainable processing systems
• Integrated automation and process-control software

The platform will promote new investments, partnerships and cross-border collaborations in the global bakery industry.

Shaping the Future of Food Processing

According to Muhammet Ali Kalkan, CEO of HAGE Exhibition Group, IDMA has evolved into more than a trade fair—it is a global hub for innovation, education and collaboration.

“As we prepare for 2026, our goal is to bring together the futures of both milling and baking on the same platform. Digitalization, sustainability and food security are no longer abstract concepts—they are urgent priorities,” he said.

Why Istanbul?

Istanbul’s strategic position between East and West offers unmatched access to global markets. Its proximity to major grain-exporting countries like Russia and Ukraine, and major importing nations such as Egypt and Iraq, makes it an ideal meeting point for the food-processing world. Combined with Türkiye’s strong milling infrastructure and logistics networks, IDMA Istanbul offers a unique gateway for companies seeking to expand their global footprint.

Addressing Global Challenges

As the world grapples with uncertainties in grain supply corridors, raw-material pressures and food-security concerns, IDMA Istanbul 2026 provides a collaborative space for stakeholders to rethink strategies and co-create solutions.

‍