Biothera, Eagan, Minn., named Ryusendo Co. Ltd., Tokyo, its exclusive distributor in Japan of Wellmune WGP, a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of yeast that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy, as well as the company’s other immune health ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements. The company also recently presented Wellmune WGP to dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo Oct. 7-9 in Philadelphia.

Imbibe Inc., Wilmette, Ill., appointed Takashi Nakamura vice president of research and development.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), New York, published its second external sustainability report, titled “Seeds of Growth.” The report describes IFF’s accomplishments in the area of sustainability for its worldwide operations for 2011. The company also announced plans to invest more than $50 million in its existing flavors facility in Gebze, Turkey, during the next three years to expand the existing manufacturing site and build a new creative facility to support current and future customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Minneapolis-based Cargill Inc.’s Truvia brand launched its multimillion dollar integrated marketing campaign, “From Nature. For Sweetness,” to drive consumer awareness, trial and adoption of Truvia products in the United States. John Fry, a principal consultant for Cargill Health & Nutrition, also presented a seminar, titled “Truvia Stevia Leaf Extracts – Calorie-Free Sweetener from the Stevia Leaf,” about stevia formulation at Benefiq 2012 in late September in Quebec City.

Ganeden Biotech Inc., Cleveland, and P.L. Thomas & Co. Inc. (PLT), Morristown, N.J., announced that PLT will expand their partnership to accelerate the expansion of Ganeden's GanedenBC30 probiotic into the U.S. food and beverage industries. PLT will use its technical sales and marketing expertise in the food industry to complement GanedenBC30’s use in milk, teas and numerous other items, it says.

Cleveland-based The Freedonia Group Inc.’s report, “World Flavors & Fragrances,” forecasts that global demand for flavors and fragrances will increase 4.4 percent each year to $26.5 billion in 2016, with the highest increases in demand coming from the Asia/Pacific region, Central and South America, Africa and the Middle East. 

Traditional Medicinals, Sebastopol, Calif., received Non-GMO Project verification for its portfolio of more than 50 wellness teas.