Industry News

Mars launched its Sustainable in a Generation plan, which includes investing $1 billion over the next few years to tackle threats facing its business and society, including climate change, poverty in its value chain and a scarcity of resources.

Brynwood Partners VI L.P. has signed a definitive agreement to sell Back to Nature Foods Company, LLC to B&G Foods, Inc. for approximately $162.5 million in cash. Brynwood VI and Mondeléz International, Inc. formed the Back to Nature joint venture in 2012.

3M has acquired Elution Technologies, a Vermont-based manufacturer of allergen test kits for food and beverage companies.

Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut AG bought the ingredients division of family-owned US firm Gertrude Hawk Chocolates.

Nestlé USA has agreed to acquire Sweet Earth, a plant-based foods manufacturer based in Moss Landing, CA.

Bain Capital Private Equity has purchased hygiene and cleaning solutions company Diversey. The new business will include the food hygiene business that was part of Sealed Air’s Food Care division.

CSP Technologies, Inc., a packaging solutions provider, is expanding its Auburn, AL. manufacturing and warehousing capacity by 110,000 square feet.

Technology solutions provider JBT Corporation acquired UK-based PLF International Limited, a specialist manufacturer of filling machines and complete turnkey line project management for the powder product market.

Swire Coca-Cola, USA completed its acquisition of the Coca-Cola Production Center in Tempe, AZ. The purchase is part of The Coca-Cola Company’s refranchising process.

BillerudKorsnäs has acquired a minority holding in Vericool Inc., headquartered in California. The company’s solutions enable sustainable and compostable packaging solutions for unbroken cold chains.

People News

Troy Kemp has joined the engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting firm Burns & McDonnell as a food & consumer products project manager in Chicago.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company hired John Hargrove, former master distiller at Sazerac and Barton Brands 1792. Hargrove will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the distillery.

Kraft Heinz announced management changes, including: Paulo Basilio, named zone president of US business; David Knopf, named executive vice president and chief financial officer; and George Zoghbi will transition to a strategic advisor role from chief operating officer of US business.

Hickory Harvest Foods promoted Eric McGrath to vice president of operations and also hired Michelle Smith as confectionery sales manager.

System Concepts, Inc., provider of food and beverage procurement, inventory and culinary control software solutions, appointed David W. Andow to president.

Archer Daniels Midland Company appointed Rachel D. Hudson as vice president and treasurer.

HelloFresh appointed of Tobias (“Tobi”) Hartmann as president of North America and additional member of the global management board.

Barry Callebaut announced changes to its executive committee, including: David S. Johnson, CEO & president Americas, will retire; and Peter Boone, currently chief innovation & quality officer, will succeed him. Pablo E. Perversi was appointed as the new chief innovation & quality officer; and Ben De Schryver, president Asia Pacific, was promoted to member of the executive committee.