As they continue working towards their shared mission of strengthening the baking industry, this new relationship reportedly will allow ABA, RBA, and BAC to identify opportunities to enhance their collective service to the baking industry across North America. This cooperation will equip the three organizations with the ability to advance the interests of their respective members through strategic cross-border relationships and robust exposure to each association’s distinct events and programming.

This deepened relationship will protect and utilize the unique value of each of the organizations for their respective members, with each association continuing to be managed and governed separately, while identifying opportunities to create synergies that grow both the commercial and retail baking sectors in the United States and Canada. The expectation is that this MOU would be further refined in Q2 2026.    

“At a time when the industry is facing headwinds from increased government activity and rapidly changing consumer preferences, this strategic relationship is more important than ever. It represents a significant step forward for the entire North American baking industry and supports ABA’s strategic plan,” states Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “ABA has had the pleasure of working with BAC on advocacy initiatives over many years and by strengthening this collaboration we are creating new opportunities to advance shared priorities, elevate the industry’s advocacy impact, and ensure the baking community is positioned for long-term growth across the U.S. and Canada.”  

“Retail bakers play an integral role in communities across North America,” notes Marissa Sertich, RBA executive director. “By working alongside ABA and BAC, we can ensure that retail bakers’ voices remain strong through the expansion of knowledge sharing, business education, professional development, and industry visibility.”  

“BAC is proud to serve both the retail and industrial bakers of Canada, providing the advocacy and resources to help the sector succeed and grow,” says Martin Barnett, BAC executive director and general manager. “This strategic relationship with ABA and RBA builds on that legacy of service and strengthens our collective ability to support bakers across North America while continuing to champion the unique needs of Canada’s baking industry.”  

Related: ABA 2026 Convention to feature advocacy in action