Ingredients

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Ultra-processed foods have become one of the most debated topics in the food industry, with regulators, consumers and manufacturers weighing their implications. As a federal definition takes shape, companies are evaluating how potential labeling requirements could affect formulation, nutrition messaging and consumer perception.

The American Egg Board has appointed Cory Sexson as vice president of global business development. Sexson brings more than 17 years of leadership experience in food and beverage innovation and will oversee efforts to drive demand through innovation, strategic partnerships and export market expansion.

AAK USA has appointed Erhan Yildiz, Ph.D., as customer innovation director. Yildiz brings extensive R&D and commercialization experience and will lead efforts to develop sustainable, performance-driven fat and oil solutions across food, beverage, nutrition and personal care markets.

Kemin Industries has added two new members to its Food Technologies sales team in North America. Chad Mulcahy will support bakery customers with spoilage and quality solutions, while Kaylie Semler will focus on yield optimization and clean label opportunities across the Southwest region.

GoMacro is entering a new category with MacroSquares, its first new snack bar platform since launching MacroBar in 2004. Developed over three years, the organic, vegan bars combine nuts, seeds, nut butters and a chocolate or caramel dip to address growing demand for balanced nutrition and elevated snacking experiences.

Ocean Spray Cranberries appointed Abigail Buckwalter as president and CEO, bringing in a leader with 20 years of global experience across consumer packaged goods and healthcare. Buckwalter joins the farmer-owned cooperative from Nestlé Health Science US, where she led a multi-billion-dollar portfolio and focused on operational efficiency, innovation and profitable growth.

Vibrant Ingredients has opened an 11,000sq-ft Innovation Center in Cranbury, NJ, designed to speed product development through hands-on collaboration, rapid prototyping and real-world processing capabilities. CEO Vince Macciocchi said the facility reflects the company's commitment to helping customers move from concept to commercialization faster while showcasing its broad portfolio of ingredient and system solutions.

Consumers increasingly say they want less sugar and sodium, but taste remains a critical barrier to adoption. Advances in natural sweeteners, fermentation-derived ingredients and flavor-enhancement technologies are helping formulators balance health goals with sensory appeal.

Bluegrass Ingredients will highlight dairy flavor powders, seasonings and application solutions at IFT First 2026. Featured concepts demonstrate cost optimization, dairy-compatible seasoning performance and on-trend flavor innovation for snacks, sauces and prepared foods.

Naked has introduced Chocolate Banana Protein and Blueberry Cheesecake Protein smoothies, each featuring 20g of plant-based protein, 6g of fiber and no added sugar. The launch reflects continued demand for convenient beverages that deliver both nutritional benefits and indulgent flavor experiences.