Editor’s Note: The Road Ahead

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Editor’s Note: The Road Ahead

9 Mar 2026

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Buckle up, everyone! We waved goodbye to 2025, saw it disappear in the rearview mirror … and had about a minute to catch our breath before the new year rang in with a bang.

When the year started with the food pyramid being turned on its head, it was a sign we were in for a ride. And then more tariff turmoil was right on its heels, with uncertainty brewing by the week. The market is reflecting the proliferation of GLP-1 drugs, which are more accessible now than ever through just about any wellness site on the web.

We can’t hide from the changes — and bakers have never been shy of challenges, anyway — so it’s time to lean in. The industry associations are amping up the support, from webinars to fly-ins to education sessions. Whether you’re attending the American Society of Baking’s BakingTECH conference or the American Bakers Association’s or BEMA’s conventions, you’ll find education, networking and information to guide you on the road ahead.

And if you ask me, to find the best resources, all you have to do is look around. In this industry, we’re always surrounded by people who get it. Allow me to illustrate: I was at an industry dinner and watched a supplier tell a baker — who had no need for the equipment he sold — that he’d love to have her come by his company’s tech center, just to brainstorm ideas and see if they could perhaps suggest more connections for her.

That right there is why I love this industry — and what I love most about my job. The people. When it comes to storytelling, nothing beats the people of the baking industry. Your strength, resilience and selfless determination are truly what make this industry great.

So, as we embark on what might be a bumpy ride, it will be my honor to be your travel companion. Let’s take on another year … together.

This story has been adapted from the February | Q1 2026 issue of Commercial Baking. Read the digital edition here.

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