INDIANAPOLIS — In response to the ongoing and intensifying workforce shortage in the US commercial baking industry, the American Bakers Association (ABA), the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) have released a comprehensive new study: Future-Proofing US Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions.

Commissioned by the three industry organizations and conducted by Cypress Research Associates LLC, the 2025 study provides an in-depth analysis of workforce skills gaps, business impact and effective strategies companies are using to recruit, train and retain skilled talent. 

The study focuses on hourly production roles including loaders/shippers, drivers, machine operators, maintenance and engineering specialists, and salaried positions including R&D, quality control/assurance and supply chain professionals. It offers targeted insights into the workforce challenges and best practices driving the greatest impact for bakery operations.

“The talent challenge isn’t new, but the findings from this study give us new clarity,” said Eric Dell, president and chief executive officer, ABA. “By collaborating with our industry partners, we’ve produced a resource that offers baking businesses actionable insights on workforce retention and recruitment, focused on securing commercial baking’s role as a destination workplace for current and future talent.”

This new research builds upon a 2016 benchmark study, providing nine years of comparative insights into how workforce dynamics have shifted and opportunities for sustainable talent growth.

“This study reinforces what we hear from commercial baking professionals every day — the workforce challenge is both urgent and evolving,” said Kristen Spriggs, executive director of ASB. “By joining forces across partner organizations, we’re equipping the baking industry with more than just data — we’re providing direction. ASB is proud to help chart a shared roadmap that empowers employers to rethink how they recruit, train and retain top-tier talent.”

Heather Prach, IDDBA vice president of education and industry relations, said this collaboration is what she hopes is the first of many as all three associations continue to serve the industry.

“This collaboration provides the ability to address workforce trends and challenges impacting bakers, manufacturers and retail today to create and sustain future growth opportunities,” she said.

Key findings from Future-Proofing US Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions will be presented during a live webinar on May 5 at 2 p.m. EDT. Registration is available here. Following the webinar, the full report will be made available to members of ABA, ASB and IDDBA.