KANSAS CITY, MO — The last issue of the year has me thinking about that phrase. Loosely translated, it means “for old times’ sake” or “times long past.” Was 365 days really that long ago?
Then again, we packed a lot into those three digits. Tariffs. Immigration as it relates to labor. Ultra-processed foods. Two international tradeshows. Tariffs. The longest government shutdown. The impact (and implications) of GLP-1 drugs. AI. The fiber and protein boom. And did I mention tariffs?
With that inventory, I guess topics like generation gaps really can seem like the old days.
I’ve got to hand it to this industry: You know how to adapt. Prior to IBIE, I sat down with the CEOs of the American Bakers Association and BEMA, co-owners of the show. This month, I visited with the board chairs of those two associations, along with the board chair of the American Society of Baking. My key takeaway? The baking industry has a heart of gold and is tough as nails. People have to eat, and over the centuries, bakers and allieds have answered the call, no matter the challenges. In this issue, those board chairs beautifully explain how their members come together to make it happen. It’s not magic … but it sure feels like it.
It may have been a whopper of a year, but as we at Commercial Baking close it out by celebrating innovation — from industry innovators to supplier solutions — it’s time to get energized for the opportunities ahead. So, as you raise a glass to the good, the bad and the auld lang syne of 2025, don’t forget to toast the future.
This has been adapted from the 2025 Innovations Annual of Commercial Baking. Read the full digital edition here.
