What is the date of the QBAC Agreement that Aunt Millies Bakeries has for the 'Sunbeam' mark?
Aunt_Millies_Bakeries Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We derive the right to manufacture, sell, and distribute "Sunbeam" products from our agreement ("QBAC Agreement") dated November 20, 1946 with Quality Bakers of America Cooperative, Inc. ("QBAC"), of which we are a member. Our QBAC Territory includes portions of Indiana and Michigan. If your Sales Area is within Our QBAC Territory, you may distribute Sunbeam products as well as Aunt Millie's and Koepplinger's products. The term of the QBAC Agreement is for an indefinite period of time, so long as we remain a Member in good standing of QBAC. As members in QBAC for almost 60 years, we have no reason to believe that our right to manufacture, sell, and distribute "Sunbeam" products will be terminated in the foreseeable future.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 29–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aunt Millies Bakeries' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company derives its right to manufacture, sell, and distribute "Sunbeam" products from an agreement with Quality Bakers of America Cooperative, Inc. ("QBAC"). This agreement, referred to as the "QBAC Agreement," is dated November 20, 1946.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Aunt Millies Bakeries has been associated with the Sunbeam brand for a considerable period. The QBAC Agreement covers specific territories, including portions of Indiana and Michigan. If a franchisee's sales area falls within this QBAC Territory, they are permitted to distribute Sunbeam products in addition to Aunt Millie's and Koepplinger's products.
The term of the QBAC Agreement is indefinite, contingent upon Aunt Millies Bakeries remaining a member in good standing with QBAC. The FDD indicates that Aunt Millies Bakeries has been a member of QBAC for almost 60 years and anticipates no foreseeable termination of their right to distribute Sunbeam products. This long-standing relationship suggests a stable and reliable arrangement for franchisees operating within the QBAC Territory.