American Bakers Association
The American Bakers Association is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1897, serving as the only bakery-specific national trade body for the US commercial baking industry. It represents 350+ member companies operating 1,200+ facilities, delivering advocacy, workforce training, research, and networking through events including the IBIE trade show.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1897
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What American Bakers Association does
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is a nonprofit trade association founded on October 18, 1897, and incorporated in Chicago in 1916, now headquartered at 55 M St SE, Suite 540, Washington, DC. It serves as the only bakery-specific national and state trade association in the United States, representing 350+ member companies that operate 1,200+ commercial baking facilities and collectively generate over $154 billion in annual economic activity while employing approximately 800,000 workers. ABA's membership spans four dues tiers: Baker Members (US wholesale commercial bakeries), Allied Members (industry suppliers), International Members (overseas commercial bakers), and Baking Industry Entrepreneurs (small/startup bakeries). The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Brian LeComte and led by President and CEO Eric Dell, with a staff of 11–50 across government relations, events, marketing, communications, finance, and operations.
ABA's product portfolio centers on four pillars: advocacy, professional development, research, and networking. Core offerings include the Bakers Manufacturing Academy (online and in-facility workforce training with courses such as Baking Basics 101, Bread Manufacturing, and Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing), NextGenBaker (leadership development program with 370+ executives), the Bakery Playbook Research Series (consumer trend reports), Economic Impact and Workforce Research studies, Food Safety Resources (baking process kill step calculators developed with AIB International, Kansas State University, and University of Georgia), the Champions for a Better Tomorrow Awards, and the Bake to the Future Podcast. Flagship events include the annual ABA Convention, the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit in Washington DC, and the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), the Western Hemisphere's largest baking industry trade show co-owned with BEMA, which drew over 21,000 baking professionals and 1,000+ exhibitors from 96 countries. ABA also co-leads the Food & Beverage Issue Alliance (60+ members) and leads the Grain Chain coalition.
Revenue is generated primarily through annual membership dues across the four tiers (recurring subscription model), event sponsorships and registrations for the Convention, IBIE, and Bakers Fly-In (professional services), training course fees through the Bakers Manufacturing Academy, and members-only research and content. Distribution is multi-channel: direct membership outreach, events, digital platforms (member portal, podcasts, newsletters including Knead to Know, The Gist, and NextGenBaker Digest), and the Baking Works workforce recruitment platform. The organization pursues a vertical segmentation approach targeting commercial bakers as the primary segment, with international bakers, allied suppliers, and entrepreneurs as secondary segments. ABA is not backed by private equity or venture capital, is privately funded through membership and program revenue, and has no disclosed subsidiaries.
American Bakers Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- American Bakers Association
- Legal name
- American Bakers Association
- Website
- https://americanbakers.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1897
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The American Bakers Association is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1897, serving as the only bakery-specific national trade body for the US commercial baking industry. It represents 350+ member companies operating 1,200+ facilities, delivering advocacy, workforce training, research, and networking through events including the IBIE trade show.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
American Bakers Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Association Services
- NAICS
- Bread and Bakery Product Manufacturing (31181), Food Manufacturing (311)
- SIC
- Bakery Products (2050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wholesale / Commercial Bakeries (B2B Supply) (THAFAFAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Bread & Artisan Baking (EDAOAKAC), Baking Ingredients & Mixes Wholesale (Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Improvers) (AFAIAFAD)
Keywords
Where American Bakers Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
American Bakers Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: ABA generates revenue through annual membership dues from commercial bakers, allied/supplier members, international members, and baking industry entrepreneurs. The organization employs a dynamic dues structure that scales based on company size and type.
- Event Sponsorships: ABA offers sponsorship opportunities for programs and events including the annual Convention, NextGenBaker, Professionals Group Events, and research webinars. Sponsorship enables exhibitor visibility and access to ABA members.
- Training Program Fees: ABA's Bakers Manufacturing Academy generates revenue through course enrollments including Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing Course, Bread Manufacturing Course, Bread Quality Course, Baking Basics 101, and specialized training. Pricing varies by membership status.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Baker Member - Commercial wholesale baker |
| Subscription | Annual | Allied Member - Industry suppliers |
| Subscription | Annual | International Member - Overseas commercial bakers |
| Subscription | Annual | Baking Industry Entrepreneur Member |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bakers Manufacturing Academy Training Courses |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels12 records
American Bakers Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The American Bakers Association is a nonprofit trade association that delivers federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy, professional development training, industry research, and networking events for the U.S. commercial baking industry. ABA's core deliverables include the Bakers Manufacturing Academy workforce training program, NextGenBaker leadership development, proprietary consumer and economic research reports, food safety tools, and large-scale events including the co-owned IBIE trade show and the annual ABA Convention.
Product overview
The American Bakers Association (ABA) operates as a trade association offering a unified platform of programs and services for the commercial baking industry. The portfolio centers on advocacy, workforce development, research, and networking. Key offerings include the Bakers Manufacturing Academy (workforce training), NextGenBaker (leadership development), the Bakery Playbook Research Series (consumer trends), Economic Impact and Workforce Research studies, Food Safety Resources with AIB partnership, Champions for a Better Tomorrow Awards, the Bake to the Future Podcast, and Baking Works (workforce recruitment). Major events include the annual ABA Convention, the co-owned IBIE trade show, and Professionals Groups conferences. The association also publishes the Monthly Bakery Report, Knead to Know newsletter, and The Gist monthly newsletter.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bakers Manufacturing Academy ABA's standalone workforce training platform offering industry-specific online and in-facility courses for bakery production employees from beginner to advanced levels, including Baking Basics 101, Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing Course, Bread Manufacturing Course, and specialized training modules. Delivered in partnership with ASB through ASB's Education Hub. Member and non-member pricing available.
- NextGenBaker ABA's leadership development program dedicated to developing the baking industry's rising leaders, with 370+ baking and supplier executives connecting through professional development, public policy engagement, relationship building, and industry trends education.
- Supervisor Training (Leadership Development for Front Line Professionals) A three-day intensive training program designed for rising plant-level supervisors, covering leadership principles, tools, and techniques to improve quality, safety, and productivity in baking operations.
- Bakery Playbook Research Series Members-only consumer research reports produced with NDP Analytics covering bakery categories including Bread, Pretzels, GLP-1 Medications, Snack Cakes and Pies, Bagels, English Muffins, Crackers, Donuts, Pizza and Flatbread, Cookies, Tortillas, Buns and Rolls, and Pastries.
- Economic Impact Research and Reports Data-driven insights on the commercial baking industry's economic contribution, including the Bakers Enrich America initiative showing the industry employs almost 800,000 people and generates over $186 billion in economic impact, with $42 billion in direct wages.
- Workforce Research Studies Member-exclusive studies and reports on workforce recruitment, training, and retention trends including the Future-Proofing Commercial Baking study, AI in Commercial Baking Pulse Survey, and Workforce Gap studies projecting 53,500 unfilled jobs by 2030.
- Bake to the Future Podcast ABA's podcast series providing a fresh take on the latest trends and issues impacting the baking sector through exclusive insights and conversations with industry experts.
- Baking Works A comprehensive workforce recruitment communications platform informing audiences of career opportunities in the commercial baking industry and supporting recruitment efforts to make baking an industry of choice.
- Food Safety Resources (Baking Process Kill Step Calculators) Interactive Baking Process Kill Step Calculators and food safety preventative controls validation methodology produced in collaboration with AIB International, Kansas State University, and University of Georgia for Salmonella control in commercial baking.
- International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) The Western Hemisphere's largest baking industry trade show, co-owned by ABA with BEMA, welcoming over 21,000 baking professionals from around the world during five days at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with 1,000+ exhibiting companies from 96 countries.
- ABA Convention ABA's signature annual event bringing together commercial baking executives for unparalleled networking opportunities, innovative baking technologies, and the latest industry trends, held annually at premier venues (e.g., 2027 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale).
- Monthly Bakery Report Monthly report providing timely consumer insights and marketplace trends impacting the commercial baking industry for members.
- Professionals Groups Events Exclusive membership events bringing together ABA member company representatives in related fields including HR and Safety, Food Technical Regulatory Affairs (FTRAC), Global Supply Chain and Logistics, Legal, Marketing and Communications, Energy and Environment, and State Affairs, through in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences and webinars.
Quantifiable outcome
- The commercial baking industry generates $154+ billion annually and employs 800,000 workers with $186+ billion total economic impact.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use American Bakers Association
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
American Bakers Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
American Bakers Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- AIB Education & Research (AIB)coreABA and AIB announced a strategic collaboration in June 2026 to deliver food safety resources for the baking industry. The partnership builds on previous collaboration including baking process kill step calculators developed with AIB, Kansas State University, and University of Georgia.
- Retail Bakers of America (RBA)coreABA signed an MOU with RBA and the Baking Association of Canada on March 9, 2026 to explore forming a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the North American baking industry through shared advocacy, resources, and programming. The three associations will continue to be managed and governed independently while identifying opportunities to create synergies.
- Baking Association of Canada (BAC)coreABA signed an MOU with BAC and Retail Bakers of America on March 9, 2026 to explore forming a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the North American baking industry through shared advocacy, resources, and programming.
- Kansas State UniversitysupportingResearch partnership for food safety validation methodology. Kansas State University provided research that led to the baking process kill step calculators for Salmonella control.
- University of GeorgiasupportingResearch partnership for food safety validation methodology. University of Georgia provided research supporting the baking process kill step calculators for Salmonella control.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreABA partnered with EPA to promote the ENERGY STAR Challenge for the baking industry and developed the Commercial Baking Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) benchmarking tool. ABA signed an MOU with EPA in 2011 for energy efficiency initiatives.
- USO Pathfinder ProgramsupportingABA partnered with USO Pathfinder Transition program as part of the Baking Industry Alliance to help connect transitioning service members and military spouses with baking industry careers.
- American Society of Baking (ASB)coreABA partnered with ASB to deliver the Bakers Manufacturing Academy through ASB's Education Hub. Courses include Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing and Bread Manufacturing. Also partners on workforce studies.
- Food & Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA)coreABA co-leads the Food & Beverage Issue Alliance with 60+ members representing FDA-regulated food industry. The Alliance serves as a resource for dialogue with FDA, USDA, and Congress on nutrition and food safety policy.
- Grain ChainsupportingABA leads The Grain Chain coalition to advocate for grain inclusion in dietary guidelines. ABA is also a USDA MyPlate Strategic Partner promoting grains as part of a healthy diet.
- NDP AnalyticssupportingABA partnered with NDP Analytics for consumer research including Bakery Playbook studies on GLP-1 medications, Bread, Donuts, Snacks, and workforce surveys.
- BEMA (Baking Equipment Manufacturers Association)coreABA co-owns IBIE (International Baking Industry Exposition) with BEMA, the Western Hemisphere's largest baking industry trade show.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
American Bakers Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Baking Association of Canada: National trade association for commercial bakers in Canada. Directly comparable as a baking-industry trade association and a recent MOU partner of ABA for cross-border advocacy.
Direct peers
- Retail Bakers of America: U.S. trade association focused on retail and in-store bakeries. Directly comparable as a baking-industry trade association; signed a strategic-partnership MOU with ABA in March 2026.
- American Society of Baking (ASB): Professional society for the baking industry focused on technical education and the ASB Education Hub. Directly comparable as a baking-industry organization; partners with ABA on the Bakers Manufacturing Academy.
- BEMA (Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allies): Trade association for baking equipment suppliers. Directly comparable as a baking-industry trade body and ABA's co-owner of the IBIE trade show.
- Independent Bakers Association: U.S. trade association representing independent wholesale bakeries. Comparable as a baking-industry trade association with overlapping advocacy on commodity, regulatory and labor issues.
- Grain Foods Foundation: Industry-supported nonprofit promoting grain-based foods. Comparable in mission (grain/baking industry promotion and nutrition advocacy) and works with ABA through The Grain Chain coalition.
Broad incumbents
- National Confectioners Association: Trade association for the broader U.S. confectionery industry. Comparable as an adjacent food-manufacturing trade association engaged in similar regulatory and advocacy work.
- Snack Food Association: Trade association for snack food manufacturers. Comparable as an adjacent food-manufacturing industry association with overlapping regulatory and supply-chain concerns.
- International Dairy Foods Association: Trade association for the U.S. dairy industry. Comparable as a food-manufacturing trade association with parallel advocacy, research, and member-education programs.
- American Frozen Food Institute: Trade association for the U.S. frozen food industry. Comparable as a food-manufacturing trade association with shared interests in regulatory affairs, labeling, and supply chain advocacy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
American Bakers Association social profiles
Digital presenceAmerican Bakers Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
American Bakers Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
American Bakers Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
American Bakers Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
American Bakers Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about American Bakers Association
What does American Bakers Association do?
The American Bakers Association is a nonprofit trade association that delivers federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy, professional development training, industry research, and networking events for the U.S. commercial baking industry. ABA's core deliverables include the Bakers Manufacturing Academy workforce training program, NextGenBaker leadership development, proprietary consumer and economic research reports, food safety tools, and large-scale events including the co-owned IBIE trade show and the annual ABA Convention.
Is American Bakers Association a public or private company?
American Bakers Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was American Bakers Association founded?
American Bakers Association was founded in 1897. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is American Bakers Association based?
American Bakers Association is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does American Bakers Association make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Sponsorships and training Program Fees.
Who are American Bakers Association's main competitors?
Baking Association of Canada is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Retail Bakers of America, American Society of Baking (ASB), BEMA (Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allies), Independent Bakers Association and Grain Foods Foundation. Broad incumbents are National Confectioners Association, Snack Food Association, International Dairy Foods Association and American Frozen Food Institute.
Does American Bakers Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for American Bakers Association.
What industry is American Bakers Association in?
American Bakers Association's product category is Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFAFAF, Wholesale / Commercial Bakeries (B2B Supply), with a secondary code of EDAOAKAC, Bread & Artisan Baking. Its NAICS code is 31181 and its SIC code is 2050.