State of the Industry 2026: Challenge Accepted
While 2025 threw an entire combo platter of formidable challenges at the baking industry, overcoming sky-high obstacles is something professionals in the grain-based foods field are very much used to. Surging costs, ongoing workforce worries, supply-chain tangles, regulatory issues—those are all in a day’s work for a baker.
Organizations like the American Bakers Association (ABA) provide resources to help industry professionals face and overcome all of these concerns. What’s more, groups like ABA are collaborating more than ever to come up with ways to help bakery producers not just survive in the face of these worries, but to come out on the other side better than ever.
To get a handle on what issues bakers have faced in the past several months, Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery connected with ABA President/CEO Eric Dell. The industry leader also shared what might be in store in the near future.
Read OverviewArticles
State of the Industry 2026: Buns keep rolling along
The category experienced ups and downs in both the perimeter and c-store.
State of the Industry 2026: Dessert producers respond to customers
Shoppers are looking for products that offer portion control, creativity, and value.
State of the Industry 2026: Breakfast’s big moment
Producers are finding success by delivering simple, delicious value in the category.
State of the Industry 2026: Bread shifts towards healthier alternatives
The product is becoming more of an intentional purchase, driven by quality ingredients.
State of the Industry: Sales of tortillas are relatively flat
In a repeat of last year, refrigerated products performed better than others.
State of the Industry 2026: Bars with BFY focus thrive
Products offering clean labels and health benefits are performing relatively well.
Reports
State of the Industry retail sales data provided by:
View reports from years past
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