ABA and RBA Formalize Strategic Affiliation to Strengthen Industry Advocacy

The American Bakers Association (ABA) and Retail Bakers of America (RBA) announced that they have formally ratified their affiliation, building on the Letter of Intent announced in January 2026. The affiliation will strengthen advocacy, expand educational opportunities, invest in the next generation of baking leaders, and provide new professional development opportunities on behalf of the commercial and retail baking sectors.

The affiliation preserves each association’s distinct identity, membership, and separate governance and management. Each organization will retain authority over its own operations, including membership, dues, educational programming, staffing, and brand, while creating new opportunities to share resources and expertise in support of the broader baking industry.

“This affiliation reflects our commitment to supporting the entire baking community, from neighborhood bakeries to commercial bakers and the suppliers who serve them,” said Eric Dell, president and CEO of ABA. “Following our Letter of Intent, signed earlier this year, it is clearer than ever that ABA and RBA’s members have more in common than not. We are creating more opportunities for people to build their skills, businesses to strengthen their connections, and the full industry to share the impact of policy issues that shape their daily operations. When we invest in one another’s success, we strengthen the baking industry as a whole.”

Through the affiliation, ABA will provide funding to support specific RBA educational initiatives, with RBA continuing to oversee the planning and delivery of its programs. The associations will work together to expand professional development opportunities for retail baking professionals and increase visibility for the Certified Master Baker program among commercial bakers through industry events and other opportunities. New scholarships will support participation in RBA’s Certified Master Baker program and ABA’s Annual Convention, helping baking professionals strengthen their skills and build relationships across the industry.

“Education and professional development are central to RBA’s mission and the success of our members,” said Marissa Sertich, executive director of RBA. “This affiliation will help us expand access to valuable learning opportunities, elevate awareness of the Certified Master Baker program, and connect more retail baking professionals with the resources and relationships that support their growth.”

The affiliation will also give RBA members greater access to updates and insights on federal and state policy issues affecting their businesses. By bringing the perspectives of retail and commercial bakers closer together, ABA and RBA will strengthen the industry’s collective voice with policymakers.

“Advocating for the full baking industry and investing in its people are essential to our long-term success,” said Brian LeComte, ABA chair and president and COO of Gold Medal Bakery. “This affiliation is supportive of the strategic plans of both organizations, and it strengthens our collective voice while expanding education and professional development opportunities that help make commercial baking a destination workplace. Together, we are supporting today’s baking businesses and developing the leaders who will build a successful future.”

ABA and RBA leadership will meet regularly to establish shared priorities, guide collaboration, and identify additional opportunities to deliver value to their respective memberships.

“Retail bakers bring a distinct perspective to the baking industry, rooted in craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and close connections to their communities,” said Anthony DiNardo, RBA board president and owner of Henri’s Bakery & Deli and Galla’s Pizza & Tavern. “This affiliation preserves that identity while opening doors to expanded education, stronger industry relationships, and greater access to policy information. Together, we can create more opportunities for our members and the professionals who will lead our industry into the future.”

The affiliation marks continued investment in a more connected baking community, with both associations focused on supporting the industry’s long-term growth.

About the American Bakers Association

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest and most established trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 baker and allied member companies, representing thousands of commercial baking manufacturing locations across the nation.

Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering compelling advocacy, insightful thought leadership, and comprehensive research on industry trends. ABA members also benefit from extensive business services, including premier networking events, impactful knowledge sharing, and effective workforce development programs and training resources.

ABA is committed to enhancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as the destination workplace. In 2025, ABA earned the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification, underscoring its commitment to delivering on the Higher Level Impact strategic objective by fostering a strong internal culture that drives excellence for the commercial baking industry.

About the Retail Bakers of America

The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is a national trade association dedicated to supporting the success and growth of the retail baking industry. RBA connects, educates, and supports a community of bakery owners, operators, and bakers through professional education, certification, business resources, and industry events.

Through programs including RBA’s nationally recognized certification program, Business of Baking education, industry Roadshows, webinars, and online learning, RBA provides practical resources and opportunities to connect that help baking professionals strengthen their skills, grow their businesses, and learn from one another. RBA is committed to creating a lasting, profitable future in baking.