Crunch Time

A host of new snack introductions could be found at the 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo.

Nestlé USA has announced it will source 100%-certified, Nestlé Cocoa Plan cocoa beans for its entire line of Nestlé Crunch bars. The plan is the company’s global initiative to “help improve the lives of cocoa farmers and the quality of their products while also assuring a sustainable cocoa supply for years to come.” By the end of this year, Nestlé USA expects to purchase a sufficient amount of certified Nestlé Cocoa Plan beans to produce the entire line of “everyday” Nestlé Crunch bars, with the beans certified by UTZ Certified, an independent organization focused on developing sustainable farming and better opportunities for farmers and their families.

While the move will not result in a change in price, Nestlé does plan to mention the certification on-pack. Starting later in the summer, Nestlé Crunch bars will feature the seal of the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.

THE INBOX

Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. has agreed to buy Smithfield Foods Inc. for approximately $4.72 billion, in a deal that will take the world’s biggest pork producer private.
High Liner Foods announced it will expand its production in Newport News, Va. The action means an investment of $6.6 million and creation of 57 new jobs at its facility in the city, which formerly was Icelandic USA.
Campbell Soup Co. acquired Plum Organics, the nation’s second largest organic baby food processor. Plum remains a stand-alone business, officials said.
Del Monte Foods and Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. announced the companies have signed a merger agreement.
Rick Stott accepted the position of CEO for Superior Farms Lamb.
Herr Foods Inc. has announced that Bob Clark joined the company as vice president of marketing.
Kettle Cuisine announced that Joe Rainert will take on the role of chief executive officer.
Bellisio Foods is buying frozen-food supplier Overhill Farms for $81 million.
Rick Peterson has been promoted to senior vice president of Nutritionals, Food and Beverage at Rochem International Inc.
Bell Flavors & Fragrances opened an innovation center in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Inventure Foods Inc. has received certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization for its Boulder Canyon Natural Foods products.
Long John Silver’s named Marie Zhang as chief food innovation officer.
B&G Foods Inc. acquired the TrueNorth brand from DeMet’s Candy Co.
The FRS Co. has announced that Richard Libonate will rejoin the company as senior vice president of sales.
Land O’Lakes Inc. announced that Autumn Veazey will join Land O’Lakes Inc. in early May as the new director of government relations.
Annie’s Inc. announced the appointment of Ed Aaron to the newly created position of senior vice president of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations.

“Recent surveys have shown that a growing number of consumers are seeking foods made with responsibly sourced ingredients,” explains Robert Kilmer, president of Confections & Snacks, Nestlé USA. “Actions taken under the Nestlé Cocoa Plan help socially aware consumers feel good about benefitting people and communities in other parts of the world.”

Nestlé USA also has committed to increasing the quantity of Nestlé Cocoa Plan beans it purchases, with the ultimate goal of producing its entire confectionery line with the plan’s cocoa. According to the company, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ecuador are among Nestlé’s major markets already providing products under the plan.

Nestlé also is utilizing its Crunch brand again to benefit the Girl Scouts, as Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars will return over the summer, for a limited time. The line will be available in three varieties: Thin Mints, Caramel & Coconut and Peanut Butter Crème.

IFT Announces 2013 Fellows

Ashim Datta, Ph.D., professor at Cornell University
Michael duBois, director at Rutgers Food Innovation Center
Elisabeth Huff-Lonergan, Ph.D., professor at Iowa State
Lekh Raj Juneja, Ph.D., executive vice president of Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd./president of Taiyo International
Larry Keener, CFS, president and chief executive of International Product Safety Consultants Inc.
Lucina Lampila, Ph.D., CFS, associate professor at LSU Agricultural Center
Chong Lee, Ph.D., professor emeritus and researcher at University of Rhode Island
Gary List, former lead scientist at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
Rosana Moreira, Ph.D., professor of Food Engineering and assistant department head, Texas A&M
Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, Ph.D., CFS, professor at LSU
PV Suryaprakasa Rao, CFS, technical director and advisor for Priya Foods (P) Ltd.
Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D., professor at Cornell