ABA, RBA sign LOI to strengthen baking industries

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ABA, RBA sign LOI to strengthen baking industries

12 Jan 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) and Retail Bakers of America (RBA) have agreed to a Letter of Intent (LOI) that begins initial discussions on future affiliations as part of a shared mission to strengthen the holistic baking community.

Both associations’ leadership teams entered into an LOI to finalize the details of an affiliate structure designed to protect the interests and values of both ABA and RBA and their respective members across the commercial and retail baking industries.

“This will build upon RBA’s already close working relationship with ABA and strengthen our respective membership value propositions and organizational structures in support of each association’s strategic plans,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s president and CEO. “This will provide RBA with operational efficiencies and support, as well as create a unified voice with ABA on advocacy issues important to the baking industry. I’m most excited about the ability to keep RBA’s unique and valuable brand identity while also providing increased membership engagement and value for RBA members.”

Each association will be managed and governed separately while working together to identify areas for growth in both baking sectors. The collaboration is expected to be finalized in Q2 2026.

“This will build upon RBA’s already close working relationship with ABA and strengthen our respective membership value propositions and organizational structures in support of each association’s strategic plans.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | ABA

“It’s a good day for the baking industry,” said Marissa Sertich Velie, RBA’s executive director. “We are excited to continue implementing the strategic goals set by the ABA and RBA boards in this new structure. This will support the growth of both the retail and commercial baking sectors by bringing both organizations closer and using the broader industry’s resources more strategically and efficiently. Specifically, this will strengthen advocacy work on behalf of the industry, which is more important now than ever. In short, this is solely about supporting and growing the baking industry.”

This new strategic relationship will enable both RBA and ABA to deliver enhanced value across the board and identify new opportunities to position the united industries for long-term stability and success.

“By aligning our strengths while preserving RBA’s respected brand and expertise, we continue to elevate the service to our members, amplify the industry’s collective advocacy, and accelerate our shared mission to grow and advance the entire baking community,” said Bill Quigg, ABA chair and president of Richmond Baking. “Together, we bolster these two organizations to be even more connected, efficient and impactful.”

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