The long-awaited fair TIM ZIP EXPO 2022 will be remembered for a long time for showing at one place the latest trends in bakery, pastry and confectionery, pointing out the newest technological development, for strong synergy of science and profession together with bringing the new professional literature and emphasising creative artistic achievements.

The spectacular opening ceremony began with the performance of the Zagreb majorettes. Accompanied by drums, they carried 13 European flags symbolically representing the participating countries. This was the prelude to an attractive musical performance of TIM ZIP’s traditional musical ensemble – Sandra Bagarić (vocal), Ana Rucner (cello), Darko Domitrović (piano) and TIM ZIP’s employees Nika Mutak (vocal) and Andrej Hanžek (violin). Especially for this occasion, the song “An Upright Ear of Wheat” written by famous poet Enes Kišević and set to music by professor Domitrović was performed for the first time.

This specialized regional fair united three professions and proudly celebrated three important anniversaries: 30 years of TIM ZIP, 20 years of Richemont Club Croatia and 5 years of the Ivan Bulić Foundation.

On April 27 and 28 this year, the 5.000 m² exhibition space of Arena Zagreb was the gathering place for 40 respective domestic and foreign exhibitors, suppliers of equipment and raw materials, and companies from the fields of milling, baking and confectionery from as many as 10 European countries.

The following eminent companies presented their offer to the target audience: AGRIFLEX, BTF, BÜHLER GROUP, DATA-BAK, DIAMANT AUSTRIA, DIOSNA, ELIN, FINES, FORTUNA, GLAZIR, ITAL BAKERY, JAC, LP GROUP, MB FRIGO, MILLENNIUM, MONDIAL FORNI, NAŠE KLASJE, PFM, RONDO, SISCODATA, TOMO VARGA, TRIMA, UNIFERM, VANDEMOORTELE, WIESHEU and others. Also, well-known Croatian and regional companies such as BREAD CLUB, ČAKOVEČKI MLINOVI, ČOKOLAND, DON-DON, EKOS, MLINAR, MLIN I PEKARE SISAK, PAN-PEK, PEKAR VINKOVCI and ZAGREBAČKE PEKARNE KLARA joined the exhibition team.

The main sponsor of the fair was the IVAN BULIĆ FOUNDATION, and the Swiss BÜHLER GROUP took on the role of partner company.

Producers of raw materials as well as master bakers from 9 Richemont clubs organized a whole day live production in 7 mini-bakeries. Also, great interest was shown in the presentations of the production of grissini on the line of ELIN company, kaiser rolls on the FORTUNA line, and pastries and croissants on RONDO’s lines.

A two-day Symposium “The Future of Bread and Bakery” was held at the central position of the hall, better known as the Richemont Forum. The scientific-professional symposium was led by scientists from the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, representatives of the Richemont Vocational School in Lucerne and experts from foreign exhibiting companies.

The sixth professional book of TIM ZIP Library “Bread for Life” was presented by the reviewer Prof. Ph. D. Duška Ćurić.

The book “Bread – chance for bakery: recipes and technologies” brings quality German recipes based on the use of sourdough and natural fermentation processes and advocates the need to produce better and healthier bread. Dipl. Eng. Franjo Klarić translated the book from German, and Dipl. Eng. Ivan Bulić gave his editorial stamp.

Many visitors were especially delighted by the exhibition of artworks as part of the 6th Golden Hands competition for the most creative bakery and pastry work in the Republic of Croatia.

Nine true artists, bakers and confectioners brought their skills and creativity to life and showed the originality and expressiveness of the two professions in an unusual way.

The management of TIM ZIP thanked its business partners and associates for organizing joint dinners and special programs during both days.

Enjoying the flavours of Moslavina region was arranged at Kezele Farmhouse, where the local tambura ensemble and Klapa Kampanel provided a great atmosphere. Also, spectacular fireworks in the late-night hours doubled the impressions of delight. The international gathering was finalized with a gala dinner at the Tijara restaurant of the Aristos Hotel, where all Richemont clubs and participants in the live production were awarded gold plaques and medals for their special efforts and contribution.

An International and National Richemont Clubs President Meeting was also held during the fair.

After visiting the Dubravica production plant in Zaprešić, the final stop was Michelin’s Noel restaurant in Zagreb, where the gastronomic magic in sequence provided multiple pleasures and a special atmosphere before returning home.

Behind this spectacular event of TIM ZIP company stands the exceptional synergy of all stakeholders, impressive courage and rarely seen authenticity. All this points to the fact that such professional gatherings are still indispensable channels for the presentation of novelties and much-needed intersections for discovering new business potentials and strengthening cooperation.