SUPPLIER NEWS

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, MULTIVAC is continuing its course of expansion in Asia. The company is constructing a new multi-purpose building, costing around 20 million euros, in the Japanese city of Tsukuba. Future areas of growth will include integrated systems, as well as the products from the FRITSCH and TVI business units. In addition to the production areas, the new building will also include a Training Center for customers and staff, as well as showrooms for machines.

Puratos has closed on a €1 billion financing from a group of private investors including Barings as the lead account. The first draw of the financing will be used to further accelerate the Cacao-Trace program which was founded by Puratos, the international manufacturer of ingredients for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors. Cacao-Trace helps cocoa farmers increase their revenue thanks to the production of superior tasting chocolate, achieved by mastering the fermentation process.

Flexicon Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flexicon Corporation (Bethlehem, PA), has more than doubled the size of its manufacturing and sales operation in July 2021. Located at 795 Boundary Road in Darra, Queensland, the 25,725 square feet building dedicates 18,620 square feet to manufacturing. The remaining 7105 square feet of office space houses administrative personnel, increased engineering sales staff, and visitor conference rooms.

FoodTools has launched a redesigned website at www.foodtools.com. The new site features updated graphics, a streamlined contemporary design, and new search, sort, and compare features to better assist buyers looking for the perfect food portioning solution. A refreshed look and feel is accompanied by changes to the navigation structure and page layout, giving visitors the opportunity to search for portioning equipment by food product applications or through equipment specifications. FoodTools is working to connect buyers with the perfect portioning machine in the least clicks possible.

AAK has extended its Kolo Nafaso shea sourcing program to support the growing demand for ethically produced chocolate confectionery. The program already reaches 320,000 women in West Africa, representing 8 percent of the global shea industry’s workforce. As in many other places, human, and labor rights can be major challenges in West Africa, in particular gender inequality. So, there is a need to support these women, many of whom live in rural villages with poverty as an ever-present threat. AAK provides support on a grand scale by having a direct relationship, avoiding the need for intermediaries, and maximizing traceability and transparency—resulting in claims that can be carried through to finished products.

To help retailers in navigating and taking advantage of new snack category opportunities, Kerry has analyzed its extensive 2021 research on private label trends and created an easy-to-navigate online microapp entitled Seizing the Private Label Snack Category that is designed to provide information about the results and identify the exciting opportunities now shaping the private label snacks space.

Ingredion Incorporated has announced the appointment of Catherine Suever to its board of directors, effective August 17, 2021. Suever joined Parker-Hannifin Corporation, a NYSE-listed global leader in motion and control technologies in 1987 and was named executive vice president – finance and administration and chief financial officer in 2017. During her 33-year career at Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Suever held finance positions of increasing responsibility within the organization. Prior to Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Suever worked at PwC.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances recently announced one new role and several promotions at its headquarters. Bell is pleased to welcome Peter Gollmer as director of business development for its savory business unit. Bell is also excited to announce the promotion of Emine Pargov to the position of quality control manager. Pargov has served in multiple roles of increasing responsibilities within the Quality Department since joining the company seven years ago.

Gilbert Bundy, CEO of Bundy Baking Solutions, recently announced the expansion of American Pan in the European market through the acquisition of Runex, a provider of bakeware and coating services based in Sweden. The agreement includes the company’s production, sales and service operations in Sweden, Norway, and the UK.

Select FRITSCH machines, including those for dough sheet production and forming, will now appear under new names. With the VARIOCUT, the VARIOFLEX, and the MULTIFLEX, a total of three machine families are distinguished within the framework of dough processing. In addition, there is the new brand PROGRESSA. Analogous to the already known IMPRESSA lines in the industrial sector, these combine dough sheet production and processing. Depending on the combination and the corresponding output volume, the PROGRESSA lines bear the name suffix basic, plus, or prime.