FEATURE


IT’S VERY BUSY IN GAY PARIS E


uropain 2012 was definitely the place to be for anyone involved in t ebaking industry – whether


they be artisanal or industrial bakers, companies in the equipment or ingredient manufacturing sectors or just inquisitive members of the public who like good bread. Admittedly, the last sector made


up a fair number of the visitors on the first weekend in March. And there was enough to keep


them entertained, whether it be the fascinating contests like the various ‘world cup’ events in bakery, pastry, confectionery art and the schools French Cup competition. Besides these intense and highly


visual contests, there were around 750 exhibitors showcasing their products with many offering samples ranging from freshly baked baguettes to ice cream, chocolates, artisanal bread and even free glasses of champagne! Then, on the more serious side,


there was a huge international presence of companies involved in the industry who were there to look at the array of new and amazingly


5­ European Baker Magazine - Digital Digest • www.worldbakers.com


were swarming with prospective clients and sales staff were kept on their toes sifting out the serious prospects from those who were ‘just looking’ and seeing how their products compared with the opposition. Exhibitors we spoke to from


countries as diverse as Germany, Brazil, Italy, The Netherlands, Japan, Poland or Canada seemed satisfied with the attention their exhibits were getting from visitors to the five day events which ended on March 7 at Paris Nord Villepint. Japanese company Rheon and


their exhibition neighbours French- based Mecatherm were competing with their live baking demonstrations while companies like Rondo and WP also had working equipment displays. As the show wore on, it was


interesting to see ‘sold’ signs appearing on some equipment – like


5­


innovative equipment or ingredients, learn about new trends and consider upgrades of purchases for their particular field. To this end, many of the stands


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14