SUPPLIER NEWS
Batory Foods
Batory Foods has appointed Rita Ramirez as its inaugural chief people and sustainability officer. In this newly created role, Ramirez will lead the company's initiatives to foster a culture of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, reinforcing Batory Foods' commitment to both its people and the environment. Ramirez brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having previously held leadership roles at Batory for over a decade.
Bell Flavors & Fragrances
Bell Flavors & Fragrances is hitting the road once again to exhibit at the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2023–2024 Regional Section Suppliers’ Nights/Events. Spanning coast-to-coast across the United States, IFT’s Regional Sections encourage professionals steeped in the science of food to make strategic connections at a local level. These events provide the opportunity for networking and education, while allowing suppliers to debut their latest products and services supporting the science of food community.
Dawn Foods
Dawn Foods has announced the grand opening of the Dawn Seattle Inspiration Hub. According to the company, the space signifies the first in a series of U.S. locations created to inspire the industry and support Dawn’s customers. Located within Dawn's Distribution Center in Fife, WA, the Inspiration Hub reportedly is equipped with state-of-the-art baking equipment, allowing Dawn’s bakery experts to recreate real-world bakery environments, showcase new product application ideas, and spark innovation.
Puratos USA
Puratos USA has unveiled an immersive Fruit Experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of Michigan cherries from field to fork. The initiative provides participants with insights into the fruit supply chain, the versatility of fruit fillings, and the growing consumer demand for sustainable and better-for-you ingredients. The Fruit Experience aims to empower industrial bakeries and their retail partners to leverage fruit's potential for innovation and growth.
Process Expo
Process Expo opened its doors at McCormick Place in Chicago on October 23. With more than 375 exhibitors from 19 countries, the event attracted attendees from across the food and beverage manufacturing industry. From product information to inspirations, from tech advancements to trends, and from new connections to business solutions, attendees had a lot to discuss, explore, and take away. The 2023 show opened with more features than ever before, including the Food for Thought series spread across two theatres, three live production lines covering bakery and others, The Market and Career Development Center, as well as the Process Expo Innovation Awards.
T. Hasegawa USA
Food and beverage companies across North America are grappling with the challenge of developing new products that meet the complex demands of health-conscious consumers, while preserving the essence of flavor, says T. Hasegawa USA. To address this challenge, the industry is turning to inventive new technologies and advancements in flavor science. Recognizing the need for a resource that explains the possibilities and process of flavor enhancement, California-based T. Hasegawa USA has unveiled FlavorModulation.com, an informational website that provides an overview of the art and science of harmonizing flavors.
ADM
ADM has announced its outlook on the flavor and color trends that will drive product innovation in 2024. With unapologetic abandon for self-expression coupled with individual wellness goals top-of-mind for consumers across regions, ADM has identified four trends that illustrate evolving consumer behaviors and will inspire memorable moments.
CARGILL
In a move reportedly reflecting growing consumer and customer demand for more sustainably sourced ingredients, Cargill will be one of the first, large-scale U.S. suppliers to exclusively offer palm oil certified by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). As of October, the company is no longer offering conventional palm oil in its U.S. portfolio. The decision to solely offer RSPO-certified palm oil from Cargill’s U.S. refineries addresses rising demand from both consumers, who increasingly prioritize sustainability in their purchase decisions, and food manufacturers and retailers, who are working to advance their supply chain sustainability goals.
Reading Bakery Systems
Reading Bakery Systems announced that Chip Czulada will become president of RBS on January 1. Joe Zaleski will continue serving as RBS president through the end of the 2023, then transition to a strategic advisory role. Czulada’s career spans more than 35 years in financial and manufacturing management. He joined RBS in 2003 and has since overseen all facets of the company’s daily operations, including accounting, parts sales and manufacturing, information technology, human resources, and Reading Thermal. Most recently Czulada has served as RBS executive vice president and chief financial officer.
TekniPlex
TekniPlex has hired veteran IT executive Rahul Goturi as its chief information officer. Goturi brings more 25 years of IT experience to the company, including a deep background with global manufacturing companies. He will replace outgoing CIO Jeff Rishel, who is retiring after a tenure spanning nearly a decade with TekniPlex. With more than 15 years of CIO-level experience, Goturi has led teams responsible for standardizing ERP systems and processes, business intelligence, infrastructure and cybersecurity.
