News Briefs

Mizkan Americas Inc. announced its parent company, the Mizkan Group, acquired Wadakan Investment Holding Company, a Beijing-based manufacturer of soy sauce and vinegar products in China.

Cirelli Foods named Jay Cirelli president and chief executive officer.

LesserEvil Snack Company hired Sallie Bowling to run East Coast sales.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) elected David B. Schmidt to succeed Sylvia Rowe as IFIC president and chief executive officer.

Monsanto and Zeeland Farm Services Inc. (ZFS) announced that ZFS will be a participating processor of Monsanto's VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans in 2006 and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry.

Birds Eye Foods announced the addition of Neil Harrison as chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Fortitech Europe ApS appointed Peter Sorensen as managing director, responsible for managing all aspects of Fortitech Europe's operations, including manufacturing, technical, purchasing, finance and sales.

An expert panel from the Flavor Extract Manufacturing Association (FEMA) has reviewed data on TIC Gums' modified gum acacia, sold under the trade name Ticamulsion A-2010, and approved it to be listed as a General Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient.

Farbest Brands named Jane Petrolino product manager responsible for managing Farbest product lines including the AVEBE line of starch products; and Dale Bertrand technical service specialist, providing technical support for the sales and marketing efforts for Farbest product lines.

Degussa appointed Chris Proulx technical market manager for the company's Advanced Fillers and Pigments business.

Loders Croklaan opened a new oil processing factory in Channahon, Ill., doubling throughput and increasing storage capacity.

Homegrown Naturals Inc. acquired Annie's Naturals, the maker of all-natural and organic salad dressings and condiments

Paul Allen, member of the Cognis' executive committee and previously head of its Nutrition and Health strategic business unit, took over as group vice president of Functional Products.

Blendex Company received the Associated Industries of Kentucky Manufacturers of the Year Award (mid-size category) for showcasing entrepreneurial spirit, community leadership, and policy contributions made by Kentucky manufacturers.

Monsanto and The Solae Company announced an agreement to develop and market a new line of soy proteins with improved flavor and solubility.

Algatechnologies announced it is expanding its production capacity of astaxanthin, a result of a growing global demand for astaxanthin and of securing several long-term agreements with leading companies in the industry.

Schwan's Consumer Brands North America Inc. named Mark Jansen vice president of product strategy and Dan O'Connor director of marketing for the Freschetta brand.

The Chicago Heights plant of Innophos Inc. again received the American Institute of Baking's (AIB) "superior" rating following an audit of its Sodium Acid Pyrophosphates (SAPP) and Kasal production departments.