SUPPLIER NEWS
Anton Paar
Anton Paar, a provider of laboratory and process measurement technology, has announced that as of January 1, it has taken over the global sales and service network of the company it acquired in August 2023: Brabender. According to the company, customers can draw value from its 37 global sales and service centers. These facilities will offer expertise for the varied Brabender product portfolio, and they will also provide direct access to demo instruments, detailed sample analysis, and tailored application advice.
Treetop Biopak
In response to the increasing environmental concerns surrounding packaging waste in the fresh bread market, Treetop Biopak had introduced an innovative solution with its new home compostable bags. Treetop Biopak's innovation recognizes the environmental impact of millions of plastic bread bags used daily by consumers and foodservice providers. It aims to address the challenges of sustainability within the bakery industry.
Almond Board
Clarice Turner, CEO of the Almond Board, has been named to the Top 50 Diverse Board Candidates in America list. The honors are issued jointly by Equilar and the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence. The award was created to provide a definitive roster of “exemplary individuals among the pool of highly qualified diverse candidates who will propel companies and boards into the next era of board leadership,” says David Chun, founder and CEO of Equilar, a national executive intelligence firm.
Grain Foods Foundation (GFF)
Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) has announced the hire of Stephanie Ludlum as deputy executive director of project management. In her role, Ludlum will work alongside the executive director and GFF consultants to execute the four key pillars outlined in GFF’s 2023-2026 strategic plan: communication, research, revenue, and experts. Her contributions will play a vital role in leading the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Avena Foods Ltd.
Avena Foods Ltd. has announced the appointment of Wayne Arsenault as its new CEO, following the retirement of Gord Flaten. Arsenault set up his first company at age 16. By age 29, he was the youngest plant manager in the Coca-Cola Enterprises system, responsible for the Toronto, Ontario plant. He then went on to become general manager at Molson Canadian, where he was awarded “best-performing brewery” honors for two consecutive years. Over the years he has held a number of leadership roles, including president and CEO of Calgary’s Big Rock Brewery, then vice president of operations and human resources, and vice president/alignment Champion at Moosehead Breweries.
ADM
Food industry solutions provider ADM announced it has loaded and shipped its first vessels of verified, fully traceable soybeans from the U.S. to Europe. With the completion of the initial phases of the program, and in anticipation of the new EU deforestation regulations becoming effective at the end of the year, ADM now intends to expand these capabilities to other key locations across North America in the 2024 growing season.
ofi
ofi, a supplier of food and beverage ingredients, has named Roel van Poppel as its chief sustainability officer. He will take responsibility for scaling ofi’s ability to drive positive impact across its five leading product platforms (cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices), with operations across more than 50 countries. He will report directly to CEO A. Shekhar and be a member of the corporate leadership team.
Bell Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.
Bell Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. has released its 2024 global trend inspirations via the Spark–Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses platform. Since its inception in 2015, Bell’s Spark Trends platform has aimed at providing a one-stop guide to what’s next in the ever-evolving consumer landscape. The macro trends include “new horizons,” “nature revolution,” “a better me,” “360º rewards,” and “tree of life.”
Danfoss Drives
Danfoss Drives has announced Hannes Leichtfried has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the drives business segment in North America. With nearly 30 years of experience at Danfoss in Austria and Germany, Leichtfried (an Austrian native), reportedly is excited to continue to build the North America Drives business. Leichtfried began his career at Danfoss in 1994 as a technical support engineer, then moved into sales and marketing roles. He was most recently the head of sales and marketing for Danfoss Drives in the Central European region. He will be based at the company’s Loves Park, IL office.
CARGILL
Cargill President and CEO Brian Sikes was elected chair of Cargill’s board of directors, effective Jan. 1. Sikes succeeds Dave MacLennan, who will retire as executive chair of Cargill’s Board at the end of 2023. Sikes began his career with Cargill in 1991 and was named president and CEO in January 2023. He is the 10th CEO in Cargill’s 158-year history and is known for his focus on people and culture, as well as customer-driven transformation and growth.
