Author: mmoao

WASHINGTON — The American Bakers Association (ABA) NextGen Baker Leadership Forum sold out with its largest crowd ever at 78 attendees, exemplifying the baking industry’s priority in investing in the next generation of leadership. With today’s workforce crunch, Lili Economakis, co-chair of NextGen Baker and division vice president, customer development…

WASHINGTON — Seven months after launching its new strategic plan, the American Bakers Association (ABA) has supported its roll-out by visiting members on its Charting the Course tour, hiring staff to support the various initiatives and doubling down on industry research. All of these aim to provide the infrastructure necessary…

WASHINGTON — Food is still “stupid expensive.” That was the consumer sentiment echoed in Anne-Marie Roerink’s latest research, Bakery Playbook: A Deep Dive Into Consumer Trends, presented at NextGen Baker Leadership Forum, held Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Washington, DC. Roerink, principal 210 Analytics, outlined how bakery is performing in both…

WASHINGTON — The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing rapidly across industries, and manufacturing is no exception.  While most manufacturers report being in the early stages of AI adoption, 78% plan to increase AI spending in the next two years, while 52% have a corporate AI strategy, according to…

WASHINGTON — The American Bakers Association (ABA) has relocated to new headquarters. The new office is at 55 M Street SE, Suite 540, Washington, DC 20003, a short distance from Capitol Hill. The ABA said the new location will ensure it remains “strategically positioned to champion the interests of the…

Hunger and obesity are two major food crises facing the United States. According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), one in eight households, or an estimated 44.2 million Americans, experienced food insecurity or lack of access to an affordable, nutritious diet in 2022. Meanwhile, FRAC reports that nearly…

WASHINGTON — The American Bakers Association (ABA) will hold its NextGenBaker Leadership Forum from Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Washington, DC. Once again, the event runs during the same week as Nexus, which is powered by BEMA and ABA, and is being held Oct. 1-3 in Washington, DC. Attendees are encouraged…

Making a baking career more attractive to the public has been a top priority for the industry, but educating the public that it’s even an available option for them is also needed.  “A lot of people don’t even know the baking industry exists in Kentucky as we are the land…

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — When Nexus made its debut last year, some industry professionals didn’t initially grasp the concept behind the event.  “We heard many people say, ‘We already go to your convention,’ ” said Emily Bowers, vice president, education and operations, BEMA. “This isn’t a convention, We’re not in…

WASHINGTON — Expanded in-house expertise to boost the group’s Washington efforts on nutrition and workforce issues and the addition of an organizational development specialist to enhance its culture are among steps the American Bakers Association will take as part of a strategic reorganization announced July 16. The reorganization is intended…