Sensient unveils organic-certified chili peppers, paprika, onions
Sensient Natural Ingredients, Turlock, Calif., a business unit of Sensient Technologies, is offering U.S.D.A. organic certified California-grown chili peppers, paprika and onions. Grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides, the onions are available in powder, granulated, minced and chopped forms while the peppers and paprika are in powder form. The products are also certified kosher, halal and gluten-free.
“Consumer demand for organic products has grown by double digits each year for the past two decades, which is driving significant development interest in most of our markets,” said Ryan Goularte, general manager of Sensient. “Our expanding line of U.S.D.A.-certified organic products leverages our core abilities in agricultural development, and with control of the supply chain from seed development to delivery, we ensure that our customers can rely on a stable and consistent product as they move into the increasingly sought-after organic space.”
Egg farms unite to create new food company
Centrum Valley Farms and Trillium Farms have come together to form Versova, a Sioux Center, Iowa-based food company established to manage the combined day-to-day operations of the two egg producers.
Both Galt, Iowa-based Centrum Valley Farms and Croton, Ohio-based Trillium Farms will continue to exist independently while sharing management of various aspects of the business. Responsibilities shared under the Versova banner include marketing, customer relationships, information technology, operations, feed management, human resources and finance. While the full transition will occur over time, initial actions toward the single company model began in May.
“The food industry overall — and certainly egg production — is evolving to meet changing customer needs,” said Jim Dean, president and chief executive officer of Versova. “Versova maximizes our ability to be flexible, creative and focused across our farm operations, and that is good news for our families, our team members and our customers. Our company will continue to be family-run, as it has been for generations, and our commitment to producing safe, high-quality eggs and caring for our flocks remains firm.”
Lallemand acquires DSM’s surface and ripening cultures business
Lallemand, Inc., based in Canada, has acquired the surface and ripening cultures business from DSM Food Specialties. Financial terms were not disclosed. The new business will be incorporated into Lallemand’s Specialty Cultures business unit, which develops and produces specialty cultures for food applications. The acquisition, completed April 29, includes surface and ripening strains of molds, yeast and bacteria for soft cheese and dry fermented meat applications, as well as related industrial and business assets, including more than 100 existing commercial products.
ADM launches liquid soluble dietary fiber for sugar reduction
Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland, Co. is launching Fibersol-2L, a liquid version of corn-based Fibersol that delivers 90% soluble dietary fiber. The liquid offers the same lower calorie content and level of fiber quality as the company’s Fibersol-2. Fibersol is a joint venture of ADM, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. and Matsutani America, Inc.
Fibersol-2L was developed to aid manufacturers in reduced sugar formulations, the company said, as it improves mouthfeel and flavor profiles of products that use zero-calorie sweeteners while maintaining calorie and sugar reductions. Fibersol is heat and acid stable, clear in solution and low in viscosity.
“Fibersol-2L offers a high purity and superior digestive tolerance as well as a low calorie content (1.17 kcals), with the added benefits of liquid formulation,” said Doris Dougherty, Fibersol technical service representative for ADM. “In this format, Fibersol-2L allows for bulk handling and ease of incorporation, saving the manufacturer time. We do the hydration for you, so you get a smooth blend, yet benefit from skipping the mixing step, for increased efficiency and lower costs.”
iTi Tropicals offers Non-GMO Project verified organic acai
iTi Tropicals, Inc., Lawrenceville, N.J., is introducing frozen organic acai (12% solids), frozen organic acai (14% solids) and frozen organic clarified acai that is Non-GMO Project verified. The company plans to have all of its processors’ products Non-GMO Project verified by 2017.
Levangie to lead Bay State Milling Co.
QUINCY, MASS. — Peter Levangie will take over as the chief executive officer of the Bay State Milling Co., effective Sept. 1. He will succeed Brian G. Rothwell, who has led the company for the past 30 years and will transition to the position of vice-chairman of the board and head of business development. Mr. Levangie is currently president and chief operating officer of the company.
“The vote by our board of directors is a demonstration of our confidence in Peter to provide continuing leadership and growth for our company while adhering to our core purpose and values,” said Bernard “Buck” Rothwell III, chairman of Bay State Milling. “During his career with us, Peter has proven himself to be an extremely capable executive who builds on the foundation of the past while innovating to take advantage of the opportunities we see in the future.”
Bay State Milling is privately held and family owned. The company is a supplier of flour and plant-based ingredients.
“I am honored and humbled to succeed Brian as c.e.o.,” Mr. Levangie said. “I will lead Bay State Milling Co. on the shoulders of the strong family leadership that has come before me and with the support of the experienced and professional management team we have in place today.
“I look forward to serving our customers by delivering quality ingredients, exceptional service and innovative solutions for plant-based foods.”
Bush promoted to president of Ganeden
Michael Bush has been promoted to president of Cleveland-based Ganeden, an international supplier of probiotic ingredients. He succeeds Andrew Lefkowitz, who will remain chief executive officer of the company.
Mr. Bush is known throughout the probiotic industry for his expertise and advocacy, leading the field as both executive board president for the International Probiotics Association and as a speaker and media spokesperson. He most recently was senior vice-president of Ganeden. His new role will allow him to focus on Ganeden’s strategic business development and help manage the company’s growth both domestically and internationally. He also will continue to oversee sales and marketing activities.
Mr. Bush has been with Ganeden for more than 10 years. Prior to joining the company, he had more than 20 years of business experience with such companies as The Growth Factor L.L.C., Complient Corp. and NetGenics. He also has won numerous awards for business leadership.
“There are few people in the probiotic space more qualified than Mike Bush, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see him take on additional leadership responsibilities as Ganeden’s president,” Mr. Lefkowitz said. “Mike’s expertise has made him an extremely valuable asset not only to Ganeden, but to the entire probiotic industry.”
