ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Platinum Equity, a California-based private equity firm, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Platinum Equity to acquire ConAgra Foods’ JM Swank business, a national food ingredient sourcing and distribution company.

Country Pure Foods, a portion juice processor, recently announced the purchase of the assets of The Ridgefield’s Brand Corporation, which includes Smooth-Frozen Ridgefield’s SideKicks and Cup Slushies products. Ridgefield’s 100% fruit juice products, will allow Country Pure Foods to provide their school nutrition customers with more meal choices for students.

Yildiz Holding, CEEMEA’s largest food company, brought together its core biscuit, chocolate, and confectionery businesses Godiva Chocolatier, United Biscuits, Ulker and DeMet’s Candy Company, to form a new global company, “pladis.”

Buck brings more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience to this new executive role. She will continue to lead Hershey’s day-to-day North American operations and now will oversee Hershey’s operations in Central and South America.

As the company celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, Hormel Foods Corporation announced the launch of its 10th annual corporate responsibility report.

The reduced travel distance for products also has environmental benefits that align well with Harry’s fresh, natural and organic approach.

The company intends to use the proceeds from the funding round to expand distribution and increase consumer awareness for the Kite Hill brand and product lines.

Trevor Bynum, president of Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., announced that Lance Luegers has joined the company in a newly created position as senior director of sales for corporate accounts, leading the non-commercial business.

Bay State Milling Company announced that its Board of Directors has selected Peter Levangie as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective September 1, 2016. Levangie has held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer at Bay State Milling since 2008.

Pea protein continues to gain popularity as a healthy alternative to other plant- and dairy- proteins. Global pea protein market volume will surpass 12,598.2 MT in 2016, representing market value of over $34.4 million.