Attendees at Europain 2008 observe an exhibitor’s demonstration.

After a record-setting 2008 expo that hosted 642 exhibitors and 86,367 visitors, event officials are optimistic about Europain 2010, which will be held March 6-10 in Paris.

This year's exhibition marks a shift to a biennial schedule. Previously, Europain had been held every three years. Officials hope to foster a more sustained interest in the show and cite the swiftly changing landscape of the baking industry as the primary reason for the change.

Europain is devoted to artisan and retail baking, industrial baking, pâtisserie, ice cream, chocolate and confectionery. Officials expect almost 700 exhibitors at Europain 2010 and more than 87,000 attendees. Early exhibitor registration numbers indicate a strong presence in the baking and pâtisserie segments. The two categories currently account for more than half of registered exhibitors. Chocolate and confectionery currently account for another 18 percent of committed exhibitors.

The exhibition will occupy four convention center halls, with one hall devoted specifically to artisan bakery and another devoted to industrial baking. Pastry and chocolate occupy about half of the remaining space. An area labeled “The Shop” will be dedicated to retail baking needs, exhibiting everything from display cases to retail packaging.

Officials estimate that, similar to 2008, more than one-third of attendees will be international visitors. Two international pavilions will highlight global growth hot spots in the baking industry. Turkey will exhibit its unique sweetgoods along with its burgeoning bakery equipment industry. Brazil, which is experiencing rapid economic growth, will occupy a space twice the size of its successful 2008 pavilion.