The organizers behind the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s upcoming IDDBA 2023 show like to say that the three-day event is where the future of the industry begins.

Slated for June 4-6 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., the association’s annual industry-only show is expected to draw thousands of attendees, as well as 700-plus exhibiting companies that operate within the world of dairy, deli, bakery and food service.

Whitney Atkins, IDDBA’s vice president of marketing, said she anticipates that dairy processing professionals who attend the 2023 show will gain knowledge and insights from the experience.

“The dairy industry continues to innovate, from sustainable farming and process improvements to producing products the consumer demands,” Atkins said, referring to some of the dairy-specific opportunities during the event.

IDDBA developed its large-scale show to help industry professionals foster relationships, grow business and experience the latest products and trends in the market.

“IDDBA 2023 will highlight technology and innovation throughout the show,” Atkins said.

By early March, organizers noted the show floor was close to being sold out, several weeks after attendee registration opened in mid-January. With California referred to in some circles as the dairy capital of the United States, Atkins said IDDBA was excited to bring its event back to the Golden State.

She said this year’s show floor should be filled with approximately 2,000 booths, as well as around 700 exhibitors. Atkins said some of the highlighted sections people can experience will include the California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Trade Commission of Spain and dedicated sections for equipment and business services.

“A large part of IDDBA 2023 includes large dairy companies that supply retail dairy aisles and specialty cheese departments,” Atkins added.

Considered by show organizers to be one of the most popular portions of the event, What’s In Store Live shines a spotlight on technology and innovation. IDDBA bills it as an interactive marketplace that is designed by a number of industry experts. It includes representative bakery, cake, cheese and prepared foods cases. 

Atkins said the What’s In Store Live section will mirror IDDBA’s five guiding trends and provide a floor experience designed to engage the senses. The section also includes educational speakers and interactive events throughout the show. She pointed out that a new feature for attendees will be a Cake’d competition.

What’s more, she said the show’s organizers are bringing back the Visionary Pavilion, which gives smaller, upstart businesses that are first- and second-year exhibitors the chance to present their innovations and concepts.

An in-person version of IDDBA’s charcuterie exam also will be offered in Anaheim during the show. The association invites cheese mongers, experts and industry leaders to become a certified salumiere through a comprehensive exam that covers product knowledge, merchandising techniques and consumer expectations.

The IDDBA app, which functions year-round, Atkins said will roll out “cool new features” during the 2023 show, as well. She noted anyone who uses the app can access the organization’s education resources and data at any time.