The American Bakers Association (ABA), Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and Baking Association of Canada (BAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the formation of a strategic relationship.
The arrangement will allow the three organizations to identify opportunities to enhance their collective service to the baking industry across North America.
The cooperation will enable them to advance member interests through strategic cross-border relationships and exposure to each association’s events and programming.
Each association will continue to be managed and governed separately while identifying opportunities to create synergies that grow the commercial and retail baking sectors in the United States and Canada. The MOU is expected to be further refined in the second quarter of 2026.
“At a time when the industry is facing headwinds from increased government activity and rapidly changing consumer preferences, this strategic relationship is more important than ever,” said Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “It represents a significant step forward for the entire North American baking industry and supports ABA’s strategic plan.
“ABA has had the pleasure of working with BAC on advocacy initiatives over many years and by strengthening this collaboration we are creating new opportunities to advance shared priorities, elevate the industry’s advocacy impact and ensure the baking community is positioned for long-term growth across the United States and Canada.”
Marissa Sertich, RBA executive director, noted the integral role retail bakers play across North America.
“By working alongside ABA and BAC, we can ensure that retail bakers’ voices remain strong through the expansion of knowledge sharing, business education, professional development and industry visibility,” she said.
Martin Barnett, BAC executive director and general manager, said the organization is proud to to serve the retail and industrial bakers of Canada, providing the advocacy and resources to help the sector succeed and grow.
“This strategic relationship with ABA and RBA builds on that legacy of service and strengthens our collective ability to support bakers across North America while continuing to champion the unique needs of Canada’s baking industry,” he said.
ABA is the largest and most diverse trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. Its community includes more than 350 member companies representing some 1,200 commercial baking facilities and the extensive industry supply chain.
Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry. In 2025, ABA earned the Great Place To Work Certification.
RBA is a national membership-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting and advancing the retail baking industry. The organization connects, educates and supports bakery owners, educators, students and industry partners through professional education, nationally recognized certification programs and meaningful industry connections.
BAC is the national voice of Canada’s baking industry, representing commercial bakeries, ingredient and equipment suppliers, educators and allied partners across the country.
The association advances the interests of the baking sector through advocacy, technical education, industry standards and national networking.