The year began with legislative uncertainty that ABA addressed through strategic, proactive advocacy. Evolving tariff policies quickly became a major challenge. From January through July 2025, tariffs on imported baked goods cost the industry $132 million, $110 million more than the same period in 2024, despite a similar value of goods. While we respect and commend the Administration’s commitment to strengthening American manufacturing, these tariff policies created significant cost pressures across our sector. The recent Executive Order that took effect on November 13 offers meaningful relief by creating broad exemptions from previously enacted reciprocal tariffs. ABA’s consistent advocacy helped drive this outcome, which we view as a positive move toward lowering production costs for the manufacturers committed to feeding the nation.

A meaningful and measurable win for the baking industry this year came in the tax arena. The reconciliation tax bill signed into law in July included critical provisions championed by ABA and the membership. These policy measures will deliver an estimated $3 billion reduction in tax burdens for baking manufacturers, translating to over 12,500 American jobs and $679 million in annual wages. This is the type of success that can only happen when the industry coalesces behind important legislation with one strong voice.

Additionally, there has been meaningful progress on ENERGY STAR. Thanks to strong bipartisan support and the engagement of ABA and our members, Senate appropriators have rejected proposals to eliminate program funding. As one of the largest participating sectors, our industry’s leadership in energy efficiency continues to speak volumes. Now the appropriations process needs to cross the finish line to save this important conservation program for America and the baking industry.

Workforce remains one of the industry’s most pressing long-term challenges. Through policy engagement on OSHA’s heat standard and the new National Emphasis Program on Amputations, ABA continues advocating for regulatory clarity while supporting its worker’s safety. After a successful ABA Workforce Summit focused on recruitment, retention, and long-term growth, we look forward to bringing the industry together again in 2026 and launching our HR and Safety Professionals Group Virtual Conference series.

On the nutrition front, ABA remains deeply engaged as policymakers evaluate front-of-pack labeling, ultra-processed food definitions, as well as ingredient bans and petitions that could negatively impact the food industry. This year, our industry further demonstrated its leadership with two major voluntary commitments in the ingredient space. These commitments highlight the industry’s positive work already done with an eye toward even more progress in the future.

Through the “Baked Goods in Schools Pledge,” ABA member companies committed to eliminating certified FD&C colors from all baked goods supplied to K–12 schools by the 2026–27 school year, a pledge already within reach, with 96% of participating companies positioned to meet the goal. Building on that momentum, the new “Baked Goods FD&C Colors Pledge” extends this commitment beyond schools to all consumers nationwide, with more than 90% of ABA member companies pledging to remove certified FD&C colors from all baked goods by December 31, 2028. ABA also continues to lead the Grain Chain, a coalition with our industry partners that represents the full farm-to-fork grain value chain to ensure grains are part of every healthy diet.

ABA’s advocacy work didn’t stop there. This year also marked the full implementation of the Congressional Baking Caucus, a bipartisan platform to elevate our industry’s priorities on Capitol Hill. Through briefings and events for Congressional offices, the Caucus is ensuring that lawmakers understand both the scale and societal contribution of commercial baking. Specifically, it was impactful to host an ABA member-led panel discussion on Capitol Hill with nearly 50 Congressional staff in attendance.

Celebrating collective achievement

ABA was honored to welcome the global baking community to this year’s International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), with our co-owner, BEMA. More than 1,000 exhibitors, many of whom are ABA members, and participants from 96 countries came together to learn, innovate, and advance our shared future. Educational programming, including 11 ABA-sponsored IBIEducate sessions, equipped attendees with tools to tackle workforce challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and emerging consumer trends. The NextGenBaker Global Leadership Forum during IBIE brought rising executives together with industry veterans to explore strategies for excellence and long-term growth.

The 2025 ABA Convention marked the launch of the inaugural Champions for a Better Tomorrow Awards, celebrating baking manufacturers whose innovation, leadership, and commitment are driving meaningful change in their communities, workplaces, and for the planet. In its first year, 25 nominees were recognized, and six companies received awards across three categories, and applications for this year’s awards are now open.

The industry’s unified voice was also front and center at the 2025 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, where 68 baking manufacturing leaders met with more than 60 Congressional offices. These conversations directly shape policies on workforce, trade, tariffs, nutrition, and food security, furthering ABA’s year-round advocacy work. This Fly-In brings together the industry through partnership with the Retail Bakers of America and the American Society of Baking.

Our collaboration with the CAPS Network and the expansion of BakingWorks.org reflect our commitment to positioning baking as a destination workplace. New student engagement tools, refreshed career resources, and industry storytelling are helping us reach, inspire, and connect with the next generation of talent.

Preparing for 2026

Photo: Jenni Spinner One of the baking industry’s greatest strengths has always been its unity and resilience. As we enter 2026, I remain inspired by the passion, innovation, and generosity of this community. ABA will be with our members, advocating, educating, and championing the business of the baking manufacturing industry every step of the way.

Related: ABA taps two new NextGenBaker co-chairs