"This is the first time in more than sixty-year history of this respected association that Slovenia got the honour and responsibility of holding its presidency," GZS said in a press release on Monday.

Bojc was elected chair for the 2019-2021 period at the congress and assumed the post on Saturday.

Given the geopolitical and economic changes, digital revolution, demographic changes and new consumer habits, AIBI will in the next two years continue to participate in the European legislative process, strive to expand and strengthen its partnership with key stakeholders, Bojc said.

The leadership will promote international cooperation, exchange of know-how and develop AIBI as a centre for exchange of best practices.

"We will encourage the digitalisation of the baking industry and the transfer of new technologies," Bojc said.

Tatjana Zagorc, the head of the agriculture department at the GZS, sees Slovenia's presidency to AIBI as a "unique international recognition of the Slovenian baking industry and a confirmation that Slovenia is seen as a credible and advanced destination in the baking industry internationally".

It is also an opportunity to strengthen its position and actively participate in the development of the baking industry, she believes.

Slovenia's presidency will wrap up with an international baking industry conference in Bled between 27 and 30 May 2021.

AIBI was established in Paris in 1956 and has been seated in Brussels since 2011. It unites 16 national baking associations from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece (dormant), Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine and the UK.

Slovenia has been a member since 2006.