ABA agrees to letter of intent with RBA to strengthen baking industry  

USA – The American Bakers Association (ABA) and Retail Bakers of America (RBA) agreed to a Letter of Intent (LOI) that begins affiliation discussions as part of their shared mission to strengthen the baking industry.    

The LOI outlines a framework for cooperation between the two organizations, which represent different but complementary segments of the baking sector.   

The ABA, known as the national trade association for wholesale baking companies, has long focused on policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, and industry-wide initiatives.   

The RBA, meanwhile, represents independent retail bakeries and small businesses and emphasizes education, training, and community engagement.   

By joining forces, the two associations aim to create a stronger, more unified voice for bakers across the United States.  

This affiliation will protect the unique value of both organizations for their respective members, with each association continuing to be managed and governed separately, while identifying opportunities to create synergies that grow both the commercial and retail baking sectors.   

The expectation is that this would be finalized in Q2 2026.     

Key areas of collaboration include workforce development, regulatory advocacy, sustainability initiatives, and consumer education.   

Both organizations have recognized the challenges facing the industry, from labor shortages and supply chain disruptions to evolving consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable baked goods.   

The LOI signals a commitment to collectively address these issues, leveraging the strengths of each association to deliver greater impact.  

“This will build upon RBA’s already close working relationship with ABA and strengthen our respective membership value propositions and organizational structures in support of each association’s strategic plans,” said Eric Dell, ABA President and CEO.   

“This will provide RBA with operational efficiencies and support, as well as create a unified voice with ABA on advocacy issues important to the baking industry.”    

This new strategic relationship will allow both RBA and ABA to deliver enhanced value propositions for their respective memberships and identify new opportunities to position the retail and commercial baking sectors for long-term growth and success.  

“We are excited to continue implementing the strategic goals set by the ABA and RBA Boards in this new structure,” said Marissa Sertich Velie, RBA Executive Director.   

“This will support growth of both the retail and commercial baking sectors by bringing both organizations closer and using the broader industry’s resources more strategically and efficiently.”   

With this new partnership, the ABA and RBA are positioning themselves to safeguard the sector’s future, ensuring that both large and small bakeries thrive in an environment of shared opportunity and growth.  

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