The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) held their annual show June 1-3 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. More than 10,000 attendees perused over 1,000 exhibitors (a new record for IDDBA), with over 230 first-time exhibitors showcasing their products.
IDDBA 2025 brought together today’s leaders and tomorrow’s innovators to grow the future of their businesses. Attendees gained insight and engaged face-to-face with buyers, merchandisers, manufacturers, distributors, and executives who share a passion for food and this industry.
General session speakers included Kevin Costner, Michael Strahan, Carla Hall, and Claire Saffitz. Chefs Hall and Saffitz held cooking demonstrations in IDDBA’s Close-Up Kitchen, and the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, held a cake-decorating demonstration on the show’s final day.
Meanwhile in What’s in Store Live, attendees explored an immersive, trend-forward experience in a fully merchandised space, featuring exhibitor products and bringing to life the insights and inspiration from IDDBA’s What’s in Store publication.
This year’s Champions of Change Awards, in partnership with Supermarket News, recognized 24 industry leaders from the retailer/wholesaler and supplier/vendor communities who consistently demonstrate excellence and superior results. This year’s Legacy of Excellence was awarded to Dotty VanderMolen. The inaugural Career Connection Live event connected students and up-and-coming talent with industry leaders, internships, and networking opportunities. Certified Salumiere Professionals built charcuterie boards in Salumi’d and the annual Cake’d Awards went to Lindsey Shaub from Festival Foods (Grand Champion) and Lisa Dowling from Market of Choice Inc. (Fan Favorite.)
Finally, the annual post-show food drive generated 177,312 pounds of donations to local food banks in the area! Facilitated by Second Harvest South Louisiana, 21 trailer trucks delivered donated dairy, bakery, foodservice, and deli items to the New Orleans Food Bank and Baton Rouge Food Bank for distribution to the local communities.
Efforts have begun on next year’s show in Orlando, with booths and hotels already being reserved!
IDDBA 2026 is June 7-9 in Orlando, FL. Find out more here:
IDDBA 2026