In response to the ongoing and intensifying workforce shortage in the U.S. commercial baking industry, the American Bakers Association (ABA), the American Society of Baking (ASB), and the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) have released a comprehensive new study, Future-Proofing U.S. Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions. 

Commissioned by the three industry organizations and conducted by Cypress Research Associates, LLC, the 2025 study provides an in-depth analysis of workforce skills gaps, business impact, and effective strategies companies are using to recruit, train, and retain skilled talent. Focused on hourly production roles including loaders/shippers, drivers, machine operators, maintenance and engineering specialists, and salaried positions including R&D, quality control/assurance, and supply chain professionals, the study offers targeted insights into the workforce challenges and best practices driving the greatest impact for bakery operations. 

This new research builds upon a 2016 benchmark study, providing nine years of comparative insights into how workforce dynamics have shifted and opportunities for sustainable talent growth. 

“The talent challenge isn’t new, but the findings from this study give us new clarity,” says Eric Dell, president and CEO of ABA. “By collaborating with our industry partners, we’ve produced a resource that offers baking businesses actionable insights on workforce retention and recruitment, focused on securing commercial baking’s role as a destination workplace for current and future talent.” 

“This study reinforces what we hear from commercial baking professionals every day – the workforce challenge is both urgent and evolving,” says Kristen L. Spriggs, executive director of ASB. “By joining forces across partner organizations, we’re equipping the baking industry with more than just data – we’re providing direction. ASB is proud to help chart a shared roadmap that empowers employers to rethink how they recruit, train, and retain top-tier talent.” 

“This collaboration provides the ability to address workforce trends and challenges impacting bakers, manufacturers, and retail today to create and sustain future growth opportunities,” says Heather Prach, IDDBA VP of education and industry relations. Prach adds that this collaboration is what she hopes is the first of many, as all three associations continue to serve the industry. 

How to learn more

Key findings from Future-Proofing U.S. Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions will be presented during a live webinar on Monday, May 5, at 2:00 pm EST. Registration is available here.  

Following the webinar, the full report will be made available to members of ABA, ASB, and IDDBA. 

Related: ABA honors industry leaders with new award