John Kowal
John Kowal, a longstanding OMAC member and market development manager for B&R Industrial Automation, was elected to a three-year term on the OMAC board of directors.
At its Annual Patient Conference in Baltimore, MD, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network recognized Campbell Soup Company with a special achievement award for introducing a new and innovative scanning technology in its plants to improve allergen labeling. Campbell Soup helped develop the strategy for a vision system to scan product manufacturing codes and ensure that they match UPC codes on product labels.
Diamond Foods Inc. completed its acquisition of Kettle Foods from Lion Capital LLP. Under the terms of the agreement, Diamond paid $615 million in cash.
Sterling Foods II Inc., a portfolio company of TGF Management Corp. and Austin Ventures, acquired Caravan Trading Co. for an undisclosed amount.
Groeb Farms Inc., headquartered in Onsted, MI, and Miller’s American Honey of Colton, CA, merged their honey businesses.
Seven associations were recognized at the 2010 Food Safety Education Conference for more than 10 years of participation and $2.5 million in cumulative contributions to the nonprofit US Partnership for Food Safety Education. The associations: American Egg Board; American Dietetic Association; Food Marketing Institute Foundation; National Chicken Council; National Pork Board; National Turkey Federation; and Produce Marketing Association.
North American Meat Producers Association President Gary Malenke, of Sioux-Preme Pork Products, presented the Harry L. Rudnick Educator-of-the-Year Award to James Dickson, PhD, of Iowa State University, during the Meat Industry Management Conference Awards Luncheon.
William Gill, founder and former chairman of Flexicon Corp., died at his home on March 16.
Hytrol Conveyor Co. Inc. appointed Phillip Poston to manager of marketing. Poston has worked for Hytrol for 10 years.
