ABA, RBA, BAC’s MOU establishes strategic relationship

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ABA, RBA, BAC’s MOU establishes strategic relationship

9 Mar 2026

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA), Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and Baking Association of Canada (BAC) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the formation of a strategic relationship. This news comes on the heels of ABA and RBA announcing their shared Letter of Intent, which was introduced earlier this year.

“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,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s president and CEO. “It represents a significant step forward for the entire North American baking industry and supports ABA’s strategic plan.”

As the associations continue working toward a shared mission of strengthening the holistic baking industry, the MOU will allow ABA, RBA and BAC to identify opportunities to enhance their collective service across North America. It will equip all three with the ability to advance the interests of their respective members through strategic cross-border relationships and exposure to each association’s distinct events and programming.

“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 United States and Canada,” Dell continued.

“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.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | ABA

While each association will be managed and governed separately, the newly established relationship will protect and leverage the value of each organization, creating synergies that grow both the commercial and retail baking sectors in the US and Canada.

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

The expectation is that this MOU would be further refined in Q2 2026.

“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,” said Martin Barnett, BAC executive director and GM. “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 championing the unique needs of Canada’s baking industry.”

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