Another topic that was discussed that intersects with the workforce issue is diversity. The panelists said that it’s at the forefront of their process as they focus on attracting new people to the baking industry.

“We are challenged daily to look at different genders and workforces on our team,” Porter said. “And we want diversity of thought, age, different demographic backgrounds. It should be intentional everyone should be looking at their diversity in an intentional manner.”

The other panelists are also evaluating their hiring process and looking for ways to improve.

“Diversity is a key focus at Publix, from local levels to upper management,” Ybarra said. “We have a large movement in our teams across all departments and have had a 20% to 30% change in the opportunities for folks that have been overlooked in the past.”

Radalia said Aunt Millie’s is also learning from their past and moving forward with a focus on diversity.

“Our company has seen what they thought was successful and kept looking for the same type of person,” Radalia said. “And a few years later they realized that they created a weakness without that diversity. But we are posting safety warnings in three different languages now, so it’s starting to change and it’s great.”