Industry News
Thought Leadership, Insights
and More From BEMA
What’s Next For BEMA: Our Strategic Plan
Built on strength. Focused on the future. Driven by member value. BEMA’s Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap—it’s a commitment to our members. BEMA is building on what makes this community strong while evolving how we deliver value across every touchpoint.
On A Roll Episode 20: A Career From NASCAR To Brewing To Baking
Kerwin Brown interviews Rick Oleshak, Vice President of Marketing at AB Mauri North America, as he shares his path to the baking industry from other industries such as NASCAR racing and beverage marketing.
On A Roll Episode 19: Building A Career From Family Bakery To Executive In The Baking Industry
Kerwin Brown interviews Jill Stang, Vice President of Sales at Lesaffre, as she shares her path through the baking industry, her experience with product development, and her involvement in various organizations in the baking industry.
Thought Leadership: What’s Behind The System Matters
You may have noticed that BEMA’s website has a new look — and we’re proud of it. But this update wasn’t just about improving what you see. It was about rebuilding what you don’t. As we evaluated our systems, we realized something important: even when the front end works well enough, the backend processes can quietly limit your effectiveness. That realization led us to step back, assess how we were collecting and using data, and ultimately redesign our internal systems to better serve our members. The experience reinforced a lesson that applies far beyond BEMA.
Press Release: BEMA, In Collaboration With ASB & BEAG, Launches Sanitary Design Workshop
BEMA, in collaboration with the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the Baking Equipment Assessment Group (BEAG), is pleased to announce the Sanitary Design Workshop, a two-day, in-depth educational program focused on practical, real-world approaches to sanitation, food safety, and sanitary design.
Press Release: BEMA Announces Seb Terry as Keynote Speaker for Convention 2026
BEMA is pleased to announce that Seb Terry, internationally recognized keynote speaker and expert on personal transformation, peak performance, and creating environments for success, will deliver a keynote address at BEMA’s Convention 2026. Seb will take the stage on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
On A Roll Episode 18: Combining Engineering, Maintenance, And New Technology
Kerwin Brown interviews Eugenio Alvarez, VP Global Engineering and Maintenance at Grupo Bimbo, as he shares his path to the baking industry, his perspective on leadership, and his experience leading teams in engineering maintenance, and new technologies.
Press Release: BEMA Announces Promotion of Emily Bowers to Executive Vice President
BEMA is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Bowers to the role of Executive Vice President, recognizing ten years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership across the organization and the industry. Emily’s promotion reflects BEMA’s commitment to strong leadership, sound governance, and organizational excellence. BEMA congratulates Emily on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to the continued impact she will make in her expanded role.
On A Roll Episode 17: A Path Through The Food Industry Into Baking
In this interview with Kerwin Brown, Jeff Shura of Flowers Foods shares his path to the baking industry, his leadership approach, and tips for those who are just getting started in the industry.
CEO Insights: Preparing for the Agentic AI Revolution in Baking
Artificial intelligence is no longer just analyzing data - it’s beginning to take action. As agentic AI emerges, the baking industry stands on the brink of a transformation where autonomous systems can predict demand, optimize logistics, and streamline operations in ways once unimaginable.
On A Roll Ep16: A Career In International Sales In The Baking Industry
In this interview with Kerwin Brown, Mike Cornelis of Bundy Baking Solutions reflects on his journey through the baking industry, from his beginnings in Illinois with a communications degree to an unexpected career in pan manufacturing and international sales.
Press Release: IBIE 2025 Sets New Standard for the Global Baking Industry
IBIE 2025 exceeded expectations, drawing more than 19,000 industrial and retail baking professionals, spanning 96 countries, and featuring 1,005 exhibitors across a record-setting 451,000 square feet of exhibit space. Among them, more than 180 BEMA member exhibitors elevated their brand and visibility.
