Strengthening Ties: Exchange, DeCA Senior Leaders Tour Gruenstadt Bakery

As part of the agencies’ close collaboration in serving military communities, the Exchange recently hosted Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Senior Enlisted Advisor Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony D. Polk during a tour of its Gruenstadt bakery. Sgt. Maj. Ashley N. Ikegwuonu, the Exchange’s Europe/Africa/Southwest Asia senior enlisted advisor, accompanied Polk. This was the first visit to the Gruenstadt plant for both senior leaders.

Bakery manager Klaus Schlosser provided an in-depth look at the 92,000-square-foot plant, where about 250 Exchange associates produce baked goods. These products, including bread, cakes and other items, are shipped to PXs and BXs, commissaries and military dining facilities throughout Europe, Southwest Asia and contingency locations.

In 2021, the Exchange and DeCA integrated their logistics operations at the nearby Germersheim Distribution Center, and the collaboration has thrived, particularly with the implementation of an electronic procurement service. This advancement has streamlined ordering and improved efficiency between the distribution center and the bakery.

Gruenstadt Bakery Manager Klaus Schlosser explains on of the bakery’s processes to Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Senior Enlisted Advisor Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony D. Polk, left, and Sgt. Maj. Ashley N. Ikegwuonu, the Exchange’s Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Senior Enlisted Advisor.

“This is a fascinating and impressive operation,” Ikegwuonu said. “While I was aware of the outputs, seeing the process firsthand has been enlightening. The quality of the products and the dedication of the team here are truly remarkable, and I’m proud of how our partnership enhances service delivery to our customers.”

Polk also appreciated the complexity of the behind-the-scenes operations.

“The tour of the Exchange bakery highlighted the exceptional quality and care that goes into producing goods for our military communities,” Polk said. “It was impressive to see the dedication of the associates and the attention to detail in ensuring that products meet the highest standards. This firsthand experience reaffirmed the importance of our partnership in delivering reliable, high-quality services to those who rely on us.”

The Germersheim Distribution Center plays a pivotal role by shipping not only beverages and boxed food to commissaries and Exchange restaurants but also routing raw goods and American ingredients to the Gruenstadt bakery. This logistical network is essential for maintaining a steady supply of quality products to military installations.

“The partnership between DeCA and the Exchange is crucial because it ensures that service members, retirees and their families have consistent access to quality, affordable products both at home and abroad,” Polk said. “Together, we strengthen our ability to provide a full range of essential goods, helping to maintain the well-being and morale of the military community.”

The Gruenstadt bakery alone produces 2.8 million pounds of baked goods each year, and the co-located water plant bottles 4 million gallons of water annually. Recently, DeCA’s private-label bottled water, Freedom’s Choice, moved production to the Gruenstadt water plant.

“DeCA and Exchange joint efforts are instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for our troops,” Polk said. “Our collaboration translates to better pricing, more variety and a consistent shopping experience.”

Gruenstadt Bakery Manager Klaus Schlosser shows a Krispy Kreme doughnut package to Defense Commissary Agency Senior Enlisted Advisor Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony D. Polk, center, and Sgt. Maj. Ashley N. Ikegwuonu, the Exchange’s Europe/Africa/Southwest Asia senior enlisted advisor. The bakery produces Krispy Kreme doughnuts for troops and their families across Europe.