Vision Times What’s Hot at IDDBA 2025: Standout Trends and Brands in Dairy, Deli, and Bakery

This year’s International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Show brought more than 10,000 food industry professionals to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from June 1–3.

With over 1,000 exhibitors — including 238 first-timers from 28 countries — the event served as a dynamic platform for trend-spotting, networking, and innovation across the dairy, deli, and bakery sectors. Here were some of the highlights from the event:

A showcase of innovation

At the heart of the show was “What’s in Store Live” (WISL), an immersive display blending fresh merchandising concepts with curated product trends. Expert-led WISL Workshops offered insight into consumer preferences and product development strategies.

The beloved “Cake’d Challenge” returned for its third year, with skilled decorators from IDDBA member retailers competing in real-time using mystery ingredients to showcase their artistry and speed.

IDDBA 2025 also drew high-wattage speakers like Michael Strahan, Kevin Costner, Chef Carla Hall, Buddy Valastro, and Claire Saffitz, who each shared reflections on leadership, creativity, and resilience. Continuing its tradition of giving back, the event concluded with roughly 200,000 pounds of donated food going to Second Harvest Food Bank.

From gourmet pâtés and sustainable chocolate to self-serve salad bars and tech-driven balsamic vinegar, IDDBA 2025 captured the full spectrum of innovation in the fresh food space. With sustainability, quality, and convenience at the forefront, these standout brands show where the future of deli, dairy, and bakery is headed.

Featured exhibitors

Top Seedz

Founded in Buffalo by New Zealander Rebecca Brady, Top Seedz creates organic, vegan seed crackers and snacks. Now in 4,000+ stores, the brand employs women from 20+ countries and just opened a major new production facility.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

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