In 2009, around ten bakery equipment manufacturers took part in a trip to Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville in Vietnam to promote their export business.

EKIP company heads are also supporting export activities by introducing a vocational degree level course to provide international commercial training. 

Sales of bakery equipment were hit by the economic slowdown as of September 2008, but in 2009 the situation has started to look up for EKIP members, who are seeing a substantial increase in orders. For some, export represents a major portion of their overall sales.

For others, export is an additional line of business which requires major investment and manpower. Exporting companies employ regional managers who are responsible for generating business in a particular group of countries or continent.

Some regions have experienced difficulties due to the weakness of the local currency against the euro.

For 2010, all areas of the industry are expecting a return to sustainable growth.

French bakery equipment manufacturers will be demonstrating their know-how at Europain, the international bakery and patisserie exhibition to be held at Paris Nord-Villepinte from 6 to 10 March.

Outside France, businesses will be promoting their products at SIAB in Verona, Italy, BBE in Brussels, Belgium, at Bakkerij Dagen in the Netherlands, Internorga in Germany, and IBIE in Las Vegas, USA.

“The outlook for sales in 2010 looks better than in the previous year,” concludes Serge Valadou, chairman and CEO of Panem.

See the all members of EKIP