ABA panel briefs congressional staffers on industry’s value

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ABA panel briefs congressional staffers on industry’s value

23 Jul 2025

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 — In a continuation of its advocacy efforts for the commercial baking industry, the American Bakers Association (ABA) held a Congressional Breakfast Briefing on July 22.

The event featured a panel, moderated by ABA president and CEO Eric Dell, of industry members from across the supply chain: Jantzen Nishioka, senior director of food ingredient procurement and CRM for Dawn Foods; Brian Dwyer, senior VP of manufacturing operations for Aunt Millie’s Bakeries; Matt Craig, president of food, health and nutrition for Coperion; and Mike Scouten, president of global bakery sales for Middleby Bakery.

“The commercial baking industry is a cornerstone of American manufacturing and food production,” Dell said. “This briefing was an important opportunity to showcase the scale, craftsmanship, complexity and innovation behind today’s baking manufacturing while highlighting how our member companies contribute to their local communities.”

“This briefing was an important opportunity to showcase the scale, craftmanship, complexity and innovation behind today’s baking manufacturing while highlighting how our member companies contribute to their local communities.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | American Bakers Association

Staffers from more than 55 congressional offices sat in on the panel discussion, gaining valuable insight on the baking industry’s role in feeding and supporting Americans. Topics included food safety protocols and nutritional innovation in baked goods, workforce challenges and opportunities in skilled trades and technical expertise, the impact of trade policies such as tariffs, and how recent tax incentives for manufacturing may impact business investment decisions.

ABA, in collaboration with the American Society of Baking and Retail Bakers of America, will assemble on Capitol Hill for the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit. The event is set for Nov. 3-4 and will include a series of panels and meetings with lawmakers.

These efforts support the five-year strategic roadmap the industry association laid out March 2024.

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