32 January | February 2026 abasto.com Thinking outside the aisle with highest margins, innovation and loyalty BY VIOLETA MONTES DE OCA T he International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Show provides depth across three essen- tial departments that drive some of the highest margins, innovation, and shopper loyalty in grocery. Ne- vertheless, there are even more reasons to attend this uni- que event in Orlando on June 7-9, 2026. IDDBA fosters un- matched access to senior-level retail leaders, buyers, and influencers who come ready to connect and collaborate. Registration opens mid-January! Lineup for IDDBA 2026 IDDBA 2026 will be introducing a lineup of new and enhan- ced experiences designed to inspire discovery, innovation, and connection across dairy, deli, and bakery. Retail Store Tours. Guided visits to Orlandos top-per- forming grocery stores to spark fresh merchandising and operational ideas. Innovation Showcase Awards. Their first-ever awards spotlighting the most innovative and impactful new pro- ducts shaping the year ahead. Close Up Kitchen with Celebrity Talent. Enhanced meet-and-greets and culinary demos featuring celebrity chefs and personalities, bringing fresh food creativity cen- ter stage. Champions of Change Recognition. An expanded ce- lebration of industry leaders making significant contribu- tions across retail and the fresh food supply chain. Elevated Monday Night Party. A reimagined networking celebration with exhibitor collaboration and products! Join us at IDDBA2026, where our community is Thin- king Outside the Aisleconnecting dairy, deli, and bakery professionals through breakthrough insights, transforma- tive education, and bold collaboration to shape the future of our industry. If youre ready to be part of a more inspired, connected, and future-ready food landscape, this is the one show you cant miss, said David Haaf, CEO and President of International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA). Educational and connection program IDDBA 2026 will deliver an educational program built specifically around the real-world challenges facing to- days B2B community. A few of their cant miss venues include the annual Whats in Store Trends presentation, where attendees receive a data-driven look at the forces reshaping dairy, deli, bakery, and fresh foods. IDDBA 2026 includes several dedicated areas designed to spark meaningful connections. One is the New Exhi- bitor Pavilion, which showcases companies exhibiting at IDDBA for the first time. By bringing these emerging brands together in one space, attendees can efficiently discover fresh innovations, explore new partnerships, and maximize their time on the floor. The Career Connection Live programming, built for those looking to start, grow, or pivot their careers within the food industry will present opportunities spanning culinary, R&D, food science, marketing, logistics, and more. Participants can meet industry leaders, explore career paths, engage in internship or recruitment conversations. Its a valuable plat- form for both job seekers and employers. 10,369 attendees 1,011 exhibitors 41 countries represented FOOD INDUSTRY IDDBA 2026 IDDBA 2025 Fresh-forward and future- focused, IDDBA 2026 is where leaders unite to Think Outside the Aisle and ignite the next big thing for dairy, deli, and bakery! David Haaf | CEO and President of IDDBA.