What's Happening?
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is intensifying its advocacy efforts to better position the baking industry for future success. During the ABA's annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Eric Dell, the association's president and CEO, outlined new initiatives
aimed at addressing the industry's challenges. These include efforts to change the ingredient profile of baked foods to align with consumer preferences and increased advocacy with Congress. The ABA has launched the 'Bake for America' campaign to engage policymakers during the creation of the 'Make America Healthy Again' report. Additionally, the ABA is forming new affiliations with other baking groups, including the Retail Bakers of America and the Baking Association of Canada, to create a unified voice in advocacy. A new partnership with the Association Internationale de la Boulangerie Industrielle aims to strengthen global advocacy efforts.
Why It's Important?
The ABA's expanded advocacy efforts are crucial as the baking industry faces a complex and unpredictable environment. By aligning with other baking organizations, the ABA aims to amplify its influence on policy decisions that affect the industry. This is particularly important as the industry navigates changes in consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The focus on ingredient changes, such as phasing out artificial colors and certain dough conditioners, reflects a commitment to meeting consumer demands while maintaining scientific integrity. The ABA's initiatives could lead to more favorable policies that support job creation, community strengthening, and the provision of safe, affordable food. The partnerships and campaigns are designed to ensure the industry's voice is heard in policy discussions, potentially leading to beneficial outcomes for stakeholders.
What's Next?
The ABA plans to continue its advocacy efforts by engaging a global public relations firm to expand its reach. The association will also focus on state-level advocacy through a partnership with HB Strategies, a consulting group with offices across the U.S. The ABA is organizing a joint webinar with its new partners to address the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, providing advocacy value across North America. The inaugural gathering of the Global Baking Council, a new initiative with the Association Internationale de la Boulangerie Industrielle, is scheduled for May in France. These steps indicate a strategic approach to strengthening the industry's advocacy capabilities both domestically and internationally.
