WASHINGTON, DC — In its latest efforts to advance its previously outlined strategic plan, the American Bakers Association (ABA) announced the launch of the Global Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals Group.
The new cohort combines two former groups — the Commodity and Agricultural Policy Professionals Group and Logistics Professionals Group — into one. This creates a more streamlined voice to represent the full scope of the baking industry supply chain.
“The formation of this group is a strategic step forward for our industry,” said Rasma Zvaners, ABA VP of government relations. “A strong, resilient supply chain is essential to feeding America, and this group will ensure our members have a unified voice in shaping policies and solutions that support long-term success.”
Thomas Bailey, senior director of government relations, shared that the decision to combine the groups was informed by the association’s members and internal staff.
“With everything happening in terms of trade and tariffs, the baking industry is not just North America-based, it’s a global industry,” he said. “We have supply chains throughout the globe. We’re importing and exporting key ingredients we need for our products but also exporting our finished baked goods and equipment.”
Co-chaired by Ahmet Hepdogan, senior VP, supply chain and procurement of Dawn Foods, and Hakim R. Savoy, chief supply chain officer of C.H. Guenther, the professionals group is open to employees of all ABA member companies, encompassing the full scope of the baking supply chain.
“From ingredient sourcing to delivery of the finished products, this group creates a more coordinated approach to improving efficiency and building resilience across the supply chain,” Hepdogan said.
The group’s priorities include, but are not limited to, commodity transportation, market volatility, supply chain alignment, sustainability and technology innovation. Additionally, the new ABA group will play a pivotal role in supporting the association’s advocacy efforts with lawmakers.
“This combined group reflects how interconnected our supply chain truly is,” Savoy said. “Bringing together expertise across agriculture and logistics allows us to better anticipate challenges, develop practical solutions, and ensure baked goods continue to reach consumers safely and reliably.”
To achieve these goals, the Global Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals Group will meet throughout the year to share insights, inform policy positions and find solutions to the top challenges facing this faction of the industry. Bailey shared that the group’s first meeting is June 11 in a hybrid conference offered virtually and in Washington, DC.
Visit the ABA website for more information on Global Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals Group.
