Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc., Hilmar, Calif., entered into an agreement to sell its Turlock milk powder facility to California Dairies Inc. (CDI). The asset sale agreement allows both parties to begin due diligence in preparation to complete the transaction. The sale is part of Hilmar Cheese Co.’s new Strategic Plan 2021, which was announced last month. The plan’s three strategies focus on people, operational excellence and delivering products and solutions that “wow” customers. “We’re committed to building on Hilmar Cheese Co.’s strong culture and purpose to improve lives while setting a bold vision for the future,” explained David Ahlem, chief executive officer and president of Hilmar Cheese Co., in a statement. “The Strategic Plan 2021 identifies the strategies we will use over the next three years to create sustainable growth that is repeatable, ethical and responsible to current and future communities. Our cheese, whey protein and lactose business remains core to our future. The Turlock milk powder facility sale supports our plan to focus on products to grow the strength of our business and fulfill our vision for the future.”

Fi Europe and Hi Europe will become co-located events, alternating between Germany and France. Fi Europe co-located with Hi Europe will be the most comprehensive food ingredients tradeshow covering specialty food ingredients from sensory to functional, as well as processing solutions and services across the whole supply chain, according to organizer Informa Markets. On Dec. 1, 2020, Fi Europe and Hi Europe will open its doors as co-located events in Frankfurt for the first time. The strategic decision to co-locate the two events was based on extensive research conducted amongst visitors and exhibitors. More than 65 percent of exhibitors stated that they would support an annual co-located Fi Europe and Hi Europe, and 75 percent of visitors confirmed that they would visit the show every year, the organizer reports.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Northbrook, Ill., announced the recent hires of Maureen West, human resources director, and William Ziehm, C.P.M., director of global supply chain-demand planning. West brings to Bell more 29 years of HR experience in corporate and family owned business environments. Ziehm joins Bell with an extensive career working across all procurement functions in Fortune 100, private and international corporate leaders.

Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill., announced that food and beverage manufacturers in the United States now can intensify development of reduced-sugar products using ASTRAEA Allulose following draft guidance issued from the FDA. ASTRAEA Allulose offers a similar sweet taste profile and functionality of sucrose but without the calories and zero grams of sugar, helping manufacturers create foods and beverages with better for you appeal — and now fewer grams of sugar on nutrition labels based on the FDA draft guidance, the company says.

Torani, South San Francisco, Calif., welcomed Lance Schwarzkopf and Beata Klamczynska to its research and development and product innovation team. Schwarzkopf joins Torani as the director of product development and innovation for syrups, and Klamczynska as a senior food scientist. Schwarzkopf, most recently with the Eat Smart brand, spent several years with Bolthouse Brands where he focused on premium natural and functional beverage innovation and development. Klamczynska has 20 years of product development and commercialization experience across consumer and food service categories and in ingredients through tenures with Mattson and Solazyme, as well as independent consulting work stints.

 

Martin Bauer acquires BI Nutraceuticals

The Martin Bauer Group announced the acquisition of BI Nutraceuticals, a full-service manufacturer and supplier of plant-based ingredients in the United States. The acquisition creates an extensive portfolio of botanical ingredients and a versatile manufacturing hub servicing the U.S. tea, beverage, food and dietary supplements industries. The investment in BI Nutraceuticals will build on Martin Bauer Group’s local capabilities including research and development (R&D), formulations and manufacturing, in support of the group’s strategy to foster accelerated growth in North America, the company says. A distinction of Martin Bauer Group’s portfolio is the responsible and vastly diversified sourcing of raw materials, with quality standards and controls in place starting at the source and continuing throughout the procurement and manufacturing processes. “The addition of BI Nutraceuticals to our group buttresses our commitment to reliable, quality, safe and clean label raw materials, meeting an increasing demand from our customers and consumers,” stated Ennio Ranaboldo, chief executive officer (CEO) of Martin Bauer Group in North America, in a statement. The two companies will continue to operate independently, and further communications will be issued to ensure seamless integration both internally and for all customers. “We are thrilled to be a part of the nature network and the Martin Bauer Group,” said George Pontiakos, president and CEO of BI Nutraceuticals, in a statement. “This represents a significant move forward for us and our combined customer base. The Martin Bauer Group is a family owned international company with a long history as a manufacturer and supplier of teas, extracts and botanical products going back more than 135 years. BI Nutraceuticals will now have access to the global resources of the Martin Bauer Group in the areas of raw materials sourcing, processing technology, liquid extract production and research and development. As part of the Martin Bauer Group, we become a true single source solution provider. Our customers can be even more confident in our long-standing commitment to safety, quality, service and innovation.”

Martin Bauer Inc.
300 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Suite 510
Secaucus, N.J. 07094
201/659-3100
martin-bauer-group.us