WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce has selected the International Baking Industry Exposition (I.B.I.E.) to participate in the International Buyer Program (I.B.P.). The I.B.P., which is part of the U.S. Commercial Service, recruits qualified foreign buyers, sales representatives and business partners in more than 80 countries to participate in U.S. trade shows each year.

The I.B.I.E. and the I.B.P. are expected to collaborate on an educational program designed to help I.B.I.E. exhibitors navigate the global marketplace. In addition, international buyers attending I.B.I.E. 2010 in Las Vegas will receive an "Export Interest Directory" featuring exhibitors with an interest in exploring export opportunities.

"The International Buyer Program will not only help us to attract more foreign buyers in 2010, but will strengthen the awareness of our event, and what it represents as the world’s resource for baking technology, equipment and supplies, to a global audience," said Mike Beaty, senior vice-president of supply chain at Flowers Foods, Inc., and vice-chairman of the I.B.I.E. "Being awarded this designation, and recognized by the Department of Commerce as a viable trade show worthy of this level of valuable support, will be a wonderful opportunity for I.B.I.E. and its exhibiting companies."