Building Industry Excellence through Engagement, Education, Engineering, and Expertise
Delivering critical industry resources as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety.
Board of Directors
MIKE OTTERMAN
Lodge Cast Iron
President
CHRIS BAUMAN
Le Creuset
Vice President
MARS MASHBURN
Tramontina
PHIL BARBERI
Meyer Corporation US
MARK EICHORN
Anchor Hocking
NANCY MCHENRY
Widgeteer Inc
MIKE MAGUIRE
ILAG Coatings
History Founded on Integrity
Founded in 1922, the Cookware and Bakeware Alliance has become the premier resource for the cookware and bakeware industry. One hundred years later, members continue to carry on the message, mission, and vision of the original founders.
Over the past century, we have made changes to meet the times and industry requirements. To better reflect whom we represent and how we serve the industry, the association’s name was updated.
Originally founded under the name Aluminum Wares Association by 27 aluminum cookware producers to repair and safeguard the industry’s reputation, the mission was to inform and promote the housewares industry to its members, their customers, and the general public.
The Engineering Standards were first recommended in the 1930s. They were inspired by the need to establish a founding guide to creating safe and consistent consumer products. Members have established a stringent process to review and improve cookware and bakeware engineering standards to keep up with changing technology and innovations.
In the 1960s, as stainless steel grew in popularity and importance in the industry, and other materials were being used for cookware, the need for a name change was recognized. As the Metal Cookware Manufacturers Association, membership was expanded to include all metal manufacturers. This decade also saw the introduction of nonstick coatings and colors in our market.
The 1970s were a turbulent time for the country as well as our industry. There was a renewed emphasis on the conservation of materials and energy, protection of the environment, and fair dealings with consumers.
The Cookware Manufacturers Association name was established to better reflect the need for the betterment of the cookware and bakeware industry. Also in this decade, The Guide to Cookware and Bakeware was first produced and membership was expanded to include all US manufacturers of cookware and bakeware regardless of material.
At the beginning of 2022, our organization became The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance. Our mission is to continue to deliver critical industry resources and serve as a voice of authority and influence, uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety.
The CBA serves our members with exclusive benefits, including standards development, statistical information, research, reports, and governmental monitoring. For consumers and industry allies, we publish helpful information on the selection, proper use, safety, and maintenance of cookware and bakeware.
We rely on engineering, engagement, education, and expertise as our four pillars for a strong association to evolve and serve the cookware and bakeware industry for the next century and beyond.
Stronger Together
There are no government regulatory bodies in the United States for cookware and bakeware. However, the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance ( CBA) is an industry group that does an excellent job of self- regulation.
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative ( USTR), industry- driven leadership in manufacturing is crucial because governments do not have the resources to match the expertise and agility of the private sector.
By joining the CBA, you will gain access to exclusive resources such as reports, podcasts, and events tailored to the cookware and bakeware industry. You’ ll be able to make more informed business decisions with insights on issues like tariffs, freight, and packaging. The CBA is also an excellent place to network with peers and develop leadership skills.
CLICK HERE to learn more about membership and to apply!