Smithfield Foods, Inc. acquired Global Culinary Solutions, Inc., an integrated food product development, manufacturing and marketing company headed by Chef Michael J. Brando. The new company, Smithfield Innovation Group, will retain Brando as president.

Snapple Beverage appointed Marc Alimenta vice president, supply chain for Snapple Beverage Group. Alimenta is responsible for managing the manufacturing and distribution networks, third party logistics providers and material management.

John C. Arme serves as both chairman of the board and chief executive officer of SureBeam Corporation. Elected chairman in March, he recently assumed the role of CEO.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. promoted Jeffrey C. Acker to vice president of global quality and food safety. Acker has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, including work with Pillsbury, Kraft and General Foods.

The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society will serve on the Homeland Security Standards Panel (HSSP) of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The HSSP will assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the development and adoption of standards critical to homeland security. HSSP will focus on infrastructure protection, security systems and countermeasures, public health support and certification and accreditation.

KVP, Inc. consolidated its customer service and manufacturing operations in Reading, PA. The company’s product line includes modular plastic belting, plastic and steel flat top chains, snap-on chains, case conveyor chains and multi-flex chains.

Bill Fielding joined Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC as executive vice president and chief operating officer. An advisor to the company since December, Fielding’s experience includes president of Farmland Industries’ refrigerated products group and chairman and director of the American Meat Institute.

Vinson Kirchner, president and chief operating officer of Owens Country Sausage, retired. Mike Townsley, who previously worked as senior vice president, sales and marketing for Premium Standard Farms, replaces him.

Aurora Foods, Inc. promoted Eric Brenk and Michael J. Hojnacki as co-presidents and co-chief operating officers. Both previously served the company as senior vice president, operations and senior vice president, marketing, respectively.

Charles “Chip” C. Huggins was named president and chief executive officer of Joseph Schmidt Confections. Huggins joins Schmidt after 29 years with See’s Candies.