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.