About

From large commercial baking companies to startup bakeries, the American Bakers Association (ABA) is the only bakery-specific national and state trade association, delivering results on priorities affecting the companies that feed the world.

The Voice of the Baking Industry Since 1897

ABA's Vision is to grow and enhance the baking industry through public policy advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.

pepperidge farms american bakers association

About the American Bakers Association

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest, most established, and diverse trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 member companies representing over 1,200 commercial baking facilities and the extensive industry supply chain.

Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering compelling advocacy, insightful thought leadership, and comprehensive research on industry trends. ABA members also benefit from extensive business services including premier networking events, impactful knowledge sharing, and effective workforce development programs and training resources. ABA is committed to enhancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as the destination workplace.

Board of Directors

Industry Partners

Staff

Annual Report

2023 was a year of listening, learning, and taking action at ABA. We experienced unprecedented membership growth, had record attendance at meetings, and engaged the membership to build a focused strategic plan.

ABA's 2023 Annual Report

Member Driven

ABA Members drive the vision for the future of the baking industry and ABA builds strategy and implements that vision. ABA serves Members by providing critical services while developing and launching aggressive strategic initiatives so our Members can continue doing what they do best: feed the world.

Delivering Results for Companies Feeding the World

ABA Members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas, and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products feeding America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $154 billion in economic activity annually and employs almost 800,000 highly skilled people.

Media Center

As the voice of the baking industry, the American Bakers Association plays a critical role in telling the sector's stories. Learn more about ABA's Members and their impact on America's economy and culture in the media center.

Media Center

ABA's History

The American Bakers Association was founded on Oct. 18, 1897, at the first National Convention of the Master Bakers in Boston.

The American Bakers Association was incorporated on Nov. 3, 1916, in Chicago.
During World War II, when high school graduates could not pass their physical examinations, enrichment standards for baked goods were established to provide a vehicle for improved nutrition. ABA’s tagline was “Bread is the Staff of Life.”
In the 1940s-1950s, ABA focused on the promotion and marketing of bread and baked goods.
In the 1960s, ABA became more focused on legislative and regulatory policies that impacted the baking industry.
As the primary lobbying organization for the baking industry, the American Bakers Association moved its headquarters to Washington, DC in the 1970s.
In 2016, ABA merged with the Biscuit &Cracker Manufacturing Association (B&CMA), welcome a new era as a united baking industry. An added bonus of the merger was the B&CMA's classic and beloved logo "Biscuit Boy." Learn more about him here.

Contact Us

We are an extension of our Members’ businesses – and we are here to help in any way we possibly can.

Learn more about ABA