ABC Bakers FAQ
General Questions & Answers
Q: Why are we changing bakers now?
A: Our existing baker contract came to its conclusion at the end of this cookie season. At the end of each contract, we conduct a thorough business evaluation of the two GSUSA licensed bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. This has been our practice for many years and will continue at the end of our next contract.
A committee comprised of staff and volunteers met with both bakers, asked dozens and dozens of questions, and came to a unanimous(!) decision.
ABC Bakers' presentation and contract were superior, and ultimately, we believe their partnership will serve our girls better. ABC offers:
- Demonstrated ability to consistently achieve greater than 90% on-time, in-full delivery
- Processes and investment to support council growth — and supply chain challenges
- Support for transition, forecasting, and sourcing girl rewards
- Enthusiastic, responsive customer service
We believe that ABC is best positioned to build and deliver more positive cookie experiences in the years ahead. We are committed to a sustainable partnership and excited about the future of our cookie program!
Q: Is this happening because of the supply issues last season?
A: This was a planned contract evaluation following the expiration of our current contract at the end of the 2023 Cookie Program. While our decision was not a reaction to recent supply issues, ABC did demonstrate a comprehensive plan to preemptively address supply chain issues, with contingencies in place to support a growing Cookie Program for all councils. ABC’s plan provided the selection committee with the confidence that ABC is focused on driving growth for the Cookie Program by ensuring availability of the best quality cookies to support our girl entrepreneurs. Additionally, ABC demonstrated the ability to consistently achieve excellent on-time delivery metrics and partner with our delivery agents.
Q: Will we have different cookies?
With ABC Bakers, we will have popular top-sellers, a couple new names, and three new cookies! Cookie customers will enjoy their favorite Thin Mints®, Trefoils® and Adventurefuls®. Names will change for some since each baker holds different name trademarks: Peanut Butter Patties® (formerly Tagalongs®), Caramel Delites® (formerly Samoas®), and Peanut Butter Sandwiches (formerly Do-si-dos®). And we’ll welcome to our lineup the ever-popular Lemonades® and Toast-Yay!™ cookies, along with the delicious gluten-free option, Caramel Chocolate Chip.
The cookie packages look similar, with the same art and colors on the packages, so girls and customers can easily identify them. The Caramel Chocolate Chip is sold in a resealable bag.
Cookie recipes are different between the bakers, so while they are similar, customers should expect slightly different flavor and texture. In a professional test of all Girl Scout Cookies by a third party, Contract Testing, Inc., ABC Bakers cookies won out overall on quality and taste!
Learn more about ABC Bakers’ Cookie Lineup >>
Q: Is the price of cookies changing? Will we receive more proceeds?
A: We know troops have seen rising costs for supplies and troop experiences. Girl Scouts of Western Ohio has not been immune to the current inflationary market and is continuing to experience increases in costs of labor, facility maintenance, and supplies for operations and programs, in addition to the increased cost of cookies from both bakers.
To ensure our troops are able to finance their adventures and council is there to support them, we have changed the price from $5 to $6 for our core varieties and from $6 to $7 for the gluten-free cookie. This decision was made before we met with the bakers.
Along with this price change comes more proceeds for troops! We do not yet have a new proceeds scale, but troops will see an increase in their proceeds. Look for details in our fall communications and resources.
Additional Questions and Answers 
Troop Volunteer Questions and Answers
