The American Society of Baking (ASB) has announced fresh insights in its multi-phase study, The Workforce Gap in U.S. Commercial Baking: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions, available exclusively to ASB members.  

ASB partnered with two other industry organizations to conduct a study regarding workforce gap issues in the commercial baking sector. its goal with this study is to help people in the industry benchmark their operations with a shared understanding of what others in the industry are experiencing and how to solve for those challenges. 

ASB remains committed to studying and understanding these trends since its first survey on the subject back in 2016. The data also shows that the increased use of automation/robotics (58% over the past 5 years) is opening the door for employees with technology/computer knowledge and math skills.  

ASB's commitment to the future of baking

It is ASB’s priority to deliver resources to help solve training challenges. The first step in that process was to bring together online training resources in its Education Hub. Next, it launched its Masterclass offering to bring the training to people's locations. Coming in 2026, ASB is on track to deliver more hybrid courses based on these survey results, as well as ongoing input received from member surveys, committee discussions, and direct one-on-one interactions with bakery leaders.  

Access initial findings

Phase I of the Study is now available, reviewing the state of employment in hourly, skilled production job positions, and the nature of the skills gap, as well as best practices in addressing the talent gap within these positions. Phase II with case studies and additional insights will be released later this year.

Related: ABA, ASB, IDDBA collaborate on workforce study