Lee W. Kohnstamm, vice president international at Virginia Dare, Brooklyn, N.Y., passed away last month. Kohnstamm was involved in several trade associations, including the Society of Soft Drink Technologists, the New England Bottlers Association, and the IBDEA. In addition, he frequently shared his knowledge with Beverage Industry and its readers in writing and by serving on the Executive of the Year award committee.

Fortitech Europe ApS, Gadstrup, Denmark, has appointed Martin Austin as managing director/general manager.

FMC BioPolymer, Philadelphia, plans to expand microcrystalline cellulose production at the company’s Newark, Del., plant. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.