Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) is expanding its education portfolio with the launch of BEMA-U Market Minute, a new quarterly webinar series designed to give members timely, actionable insights on the global forces shaping today’s commercial baking industry. 

A new, member-exclusive benefit, BEMA-U Market Minute is built for professionals at every level of BEMA member companies—from operations and engineering to sales, procurement, and executive leadership. Each 60-minute session includes 30 minutes of expert-led insights followed by 30 minutes of open discussion, giving attendees both context and community conversation around critical industry topics. 

“BEMA-U Market Minute was created as a direct result from conversations with our board of directors and our members," says Emily Bowers, VP of education and operations, BEMA. "When we asked what resources would be beneficial to their companies, the response was timely and relevant data, trends, and expert guidance to help them make sense of the rapidly shifting landscape in the manufacturing sector. This program is about equipping members working hard at every level of our member companies with the clarity and information they need to confidently navigate the industry and marketplace.”  

A new webinar series for a rapidly changing world

From tariffs, trade policy, and the cost of metals to supply chain pressures and the broader geopolitical atmosphere, BEMA-U Market Minute aims to demystify complex global trends and translates them into practical, industry-specific takeaways. Subject matter experts will unpack what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and what it all means for baking equipment manufacturers and suppliers. 

First Webinar: Navigating Tariffs & Trade Policy in 2026
January 13, 2026 | 1:00 pm CT
Register today: bema.org/bema-u-market-minute

Members can log in or create a BEMA account to register for the January 13 webinar and gain access to the series and subsequent PDFs. 

Tariff policy remains in flux heading into 2026. The industry continues to navigate steep IEEPA and Section 301 tariffs—some reaching 50% on imported machinery, parts, steel, aluminum, and copper. A new federal review may also introduce tariffs on robotics used in U.S. manufacturing. 

While recent trade agreements offer opportunity, benefits for the baking sector remain unclear. A pending Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs could offer temporary relief, while President Trump has signaled additional tariff actions if needed. With policy shifts accelerating and tariff fatigue growing, members are seeking clarity—and a path forward. 

The inaugural BEMA-U Market Minute will be led by trade expert Shawn Jarosz, whose highly attended Convention 2025 Breakfast Breakout sparked robust discussion across the membership, BEMA says.

Who should attend? 

• Operations and supply chain leaders 
• Engineering and procurement teams 
• Sales, marketing, and customer-facing teams 
• Executive leaders making strategic planning decisions 
• Anyone within a BEMA member company seeking to better understand market forces 

Related - BEMA Convention 2025: More than fun in the sun