ABA and ASB announce strategic partnership

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ABA and ASB announce strategic partnership

20 Apr 2026

Annie Hollon

Annie Hollon is a journalist, copywriter and social media strategist from the Dallas, Texas area. She found a love for magazine writing during her time at the University of Alabama where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in public relations and English. Beyond writing, you can find her expanding her library, attempting to teach herself the guitar and trying new hobbies.

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA) and the American Society of Baking (ASB) will join forces in a multi-year collaboration created to strengthen the commercial baking industry through expanded educational programming, enhanced workforce development, and increase industry-wide advocacy initiatives.

“We truly have a shared vision for the future of baking, and this collaboration fits exactly into the strategic plans of both ABA and ASB,” said Eric Dell, president and CEO of ABA.

ABA will invest $500,000 over the next five years to help ASB further develop accessible educational programs designed to build the baking industry’s talent pool and offer ways for industry members to level up professionally.

“By investing in ASB’s educational programs, we are bolstering ASB’s position as the industry’s provider of education and ensuring that the commercial baking community has access to the centralized training they need to succeed,” Dell continued. “At the same time, this collaboration reinforces ABA’s commitment to keeping all segments of the baking sector better informed and more engaged on the legislative and regulatory issues impacting our sector as we build an even broader and stronger voice to address the policy landscape ahead.”

The partnership will also enhance ABA’s role at ASB’s annual BakingTECH event. ABA will offer advocacy programming delivered by its professional staff and government relations experts, making it easier for industry members at all levels of their careers to be in-the-know on the latest issues impacting baking.

“ASB is committed to supporting the technical operators and baking professionals who work diligently each day to produce wholesome, high-quality baked goods for consumers,” said Kristen L. Spriggs, CEO of ASB. “With ABA’s investment in our educational program development pipeline, we are positioned to accelerate efforts to close the industry’s technical training gap. We are honored to serve as responsible stewards of these funds as we invest in the strength and future of our shared industry.”

“With ABA’s investment in our educational program development pipeline, we are positioned to accelerate efforts to close the industry’s technical training gap.” — Kristen L. Spriggs | CEO | American Society of Baking

Bill Quigg, president of Richmond Baking and current ABA chair, shared that the collaboration positions the industry to progress.

“By leveraging their respective strengths in education, workforce development and advocacy, ABA and ASB are delivering on their commitments to equip the baking community with the tools needed to remain a strong, competitive, and future focused industry for years to come,” he said.

Sarah Tsocanos, associate director of business quality for The Campbell’s Co. and chair of ASB, echoed the sentiment.

“Industry advancement is so much more powerful when organizations such as ASB and ABA join together with purpose,” she said. “By expanding access to education and reinforcing the importance of advocacy, we are helping ensure the baking industry remains strong, more connected and well-positioned for the future.”

This move falls in line with partnerships it’s created with fellow associations to fortify the baking industry. Earlier this spring, the organization established an MOU with the Retail Bakers of America and Baking Association of Canada.

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