American Bakers Association Warns of Looming Workforce Shortage

By 2030, it’s projected that the commercial baking industry will grapple with a staggering 53,500 unfilled jobs.

Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Bakers Association (ABA) in partnership with research firm, ndp|analytics, recently unveiled findings on the projected workforce deficits in the commercial baking industry.

As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, so does the need to address the workforce crisis. In a statement regarding the study, ABA President and CEO Eric Dell said, “The data speaks for itself and is a chasm that threatens the very foundation of our industry and requires immediate and collective action.”

Economic Impact

• The ongoing workforce shortage in commercial baking is poised to escalate, with employers struggling to occupy roles and an aging workforce headed toward retirement. At the current rate, the industry will have 53,500 unfilled jobs by 2030. 
• Demand for skilled workers in commercial baking will be concentrated in the critical operational occupations of production, engineering and equipment maintenance, and shipping and distribution. 
• By 2030, the ripple effect of these shortages will be felt throughout the supply chain, adversely impacting communities and businesses nationwide.
• The total impact (covering direct, indirect, and induced effects) reflects 148K forgone jobs, $9.7B forgone wages, $36.2B forgone output, and $3.3B in forgone taxes (direct only).

Projected Commercial Baking Shortage in 2030 by Region 

• Midwest: 13.4K unfilled jobs (IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WV, WI) 
• South: 12.9K unfilled jobs (AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA)
• West: 10.3K unfilled jobs (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, UT, WA)
• Northeast: 10.2 unfilled jobs (CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)
• Plains: 6.6K unfilled jobs (CO, KS, MT, NE, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, WY)

“The American Bakers Association champions the pressing issues of the commercial baking industry in Washington. Our advocacy underscores the urgency to maintain an uninterrupted supply of quality baked goods, pave prosperous career paths, and ensure food equity and security across our nation. In collaboration with stakeholders, we are dedicated to safeguarding the future of our industry and the communities we serve by identifying solutions to this growing workforce crisis,” said ABA President and CEO Eric Dell.

ABA’s members will be addressing this workforce issue and potential solutions with policymakers on November 14, during the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit.

For a more detailed breakdown of the regional impacts of workforce shortages in 2030, visit: https://americanbakers.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/ABA%20Workforce%20Shortage%20Infographic.pdf

About the American Bakers Association
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest wholesale baking association in the U.S., with over 350 member companies from six continents and more than 1200 facilities, encompassing bakers, suppliers, technology firms, consultants, and entrepreneurs. Established in 1897, ABA has defended its members against government actions, enhanced the industry’s talent pool through training, and facilitated industry growth. https://americanbakers.org/ 

CONTACT: Jennifer Daniel
American Bakers Association
540-904-8978
jdaniel@craftdc.com