Weekly Digest: Kemin launches solution for shelf-life extension, 2 Sisters appoints new CEO

Kemin Industries has launched NaturFORT RSGT, a blend of rosemary, spearmint and green tea plant extracts. The new plant extract solution has been found to provide a shelf-life extension in salad dressings and sauces. It is a consumer-friendly alternative as manufacturers seek a replacement for previously used products such as Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). “Many manufacturers have been seeking consumer-friendly alternatives for shelf-life extension since EDTA was removed from products,” says Chandra Ankolekar, Ph.D., Technical Service Manager, Kemin Food Technologies. “We have been working on this new solution and are pleased to share that the synergies of the extracts used in NaturFORT RSGT’s proprietary blend make it a more effective option than others currently being used.”

 

Lurpak expanding its spreadable product portfolio this May with the launch of Lurpak Softest, a new soft blend butter that is spreadable straight from the fridge. The UK’s number one butter brand has combined the great taste that Lurpak is renowned for with the softest, most spreadable butter ever, according to the company. With spreadability the most crucial factor for shoppers when choosing which butter or spread to buy, closely followed by taste, Lurpak Softest is a new recipe format that gives consumers another choice in the butter and spreads category.

 

In brief: Appointments & retirements
2 Sisters Food Group has appointed Ronald Kers as its new Chief Executive Officer, officially joining on June 1. Ronald is the former Global CEO of Muller, the €6bn international food company, and he brings with him more than two decades of experience at global FMCG companies including Nestle and Procter & Gamble. He first joined Muller as UK CEO in 2012, leading the turnaround and transformation of the business, and was subsequently appointed Global CEO in 2015.

 

Further to the announcement of his intention to retire, made on December 1, 2017, the Chairman of Arla Foods amba, Åke Hantoft, has announced that he has agreed on the sale of his dairy farm in Ösarp, Sweden. The deal will be completed on July 2, 2018, at which time Åke will step down from his position as Chairman of Arla Foods amba with immediate effect. The Board of Directors implemented its succession planning process for the appointment of a new Chairmanship at the time of Åke’s announcement last year to ensure a smooth transition of the Chairmanship, convening an Appointments Committee supported by the Non-Executive Director practice of international recruitment specialists Spencer Stuart. The Arla Foods amba Board will finalize the appointment of its new Chairmanship in due time before July 2.

 

In brief: Other highlights
Meanwhile, the Brewers of Europe welcomes the decision by the European Court of Justice clarifying the Degrees Plato calculation, a scale widely used to determine excise duty rates for beer. Given brewing’s renaissance in Europe and its importance as a jobs and growth provider, it’s critical that policy-makers ensure that beer tax regimes support the value chain. The latest figures show that the brewing sector adds €50bn annually to the EU economy and over €42bn in tax revenues for governments. Brewers also make a vital contribution to their local communities. Small and medium-sized brewers are significant customers for farmers and suppliers in brewing regions. Of the 8,500 breweries operating today in Europe, 1,000 were launched in the past year alone.

 

Finally, Lesaffre formally opened its state-of-the-art blending facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The plant will immediately begin producing enzyme blends, concentrates, natural mold inhibitors, and dough improvers under the Saf-Pro ingredients brand. These products will be supported by Lesaffre’s existing world-class Baking Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worldwide as well as Lesaffre’s experienced team of scientists and baking technicians who test and perfect each product.