As the baking industry enters 2026, one thing is clear: engagement has never been more important.

From trade volatility and tariff costs to rapidly evolving federal and state nutrition policies, the entire baking community is navigating one of the most dynamic regulatory environments in recent memory. Against that backdrop, the 2026 American Bakers Association Convention in Colorado Springs, April 19-23, will serve as a critical gathering point for commercial baking manufacturing leaders to align, strategize, and shape the future of the industry.

The Convention opens April 20 with a business session focused on “Shaping the Future of Baking.” ABA Chair Bill Quigg and I will set the tone with a forward-looking address centered on resilience, growth, and strategic leadership. Our remarks will be followed by an executive panel exploring the current state of baking manufacturing, examining how shifting consumer behaviors, environmental pressures, and policy uncertainty are influencing operational decisions and long-term investment.

Trade policy remains one of the most pressing concerns. According to ABA economic impact data, from January through July 2025, tariffs on imported baked goods totaled $132 million, which is $110 million more than the same period in 2024, despite roughly the same value of goods being imported. That kind of unpredictability reverberates throughout the supply chain.

Attendees will have the opportunity to dive deeper into these issues during “USMCA Ahead: What’s Next for North American Trade and Baking.” With the upcoming review of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement on the horizon, this session will highlight key policy developments and what the baking industry can expect regarding trade flows and regulatory frameworks across North America. 

Nutrition policy is rapidly evolving as well. Federal agencies are signaling new priorities, while states are increasingly advancing their own food and nutrition legislation. The result is a complex and rapidly changing compliance environment. During “Policy Deep Dive: The New Nutrition Agenda: Federal Policy, Industry Impact, and Consumer Response,” ABA’s Vice President of Government Relations Rasma Zvaners will unpack the Administration’s latest nutrition initiatives, explore what they signal for FDA and USDA priorities, and outline how bakers can stay ahead of emerging requirements. The discussion will also highlight ABA’s advocacy approach, ensuring that policies support consumer choice while enabling innovation.

To provide timely updates on activity occurring throughout the national landscape, attendees can participate in two Gist Breakfast sessions covering both State and Federal Affairs. These focused briefings will equip industry leaders with actionable intelligence on legislative trends, regulatory developments, and emerging risks across the country.

Courtesy of American Bakers Association

The Convention will also spotlight marketplace dynamics through the “Bakery Playbook: Connecting with Today's Consumer” session, where Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, will unveil ABA’s latest research on shopper behavior and marketplace trends. Paired with perspectives from grocery and foodservice customers, this session will connect consumer realities with marketplace opportunity.

As ABA’s Board-led strategic planning has demonstrated, targeted investments in advocacy, research, and engagement deliver measurable returns for the industry and ensure ABA is equipped to deliver on its strategic goals of Category Growth, Destination Workplace, and Higher-Level Impact. However, none of this is possible without the active leadership of the entire ABA membership.

The 2026 ABA Convention will not simply be a meeting; it’s the chance to be part of the gathering of the greatest and brightest minds in baking. A moment to align around shared priorities and to ensure that the voice of commercial baking remains strong, unified, and forward-looking in 2026 and beyond.

Related: ABA leads pledge to phase out potassium bromate