Ingredion Incorporated, a global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Penford Corporation, a U.S.-based leader in specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications.

Starr's products are sold to retail and foodservice customers across Canada and the United States and include a wide range of cake and dessert products such as Starr's signature coffee cakes, cheese cakes, loaf cakes, layer cakes, cupcakes, tarts, mousses and more.

Brynwood Partners VII L.P. announced that its majority-owned portfolio company, Harvest Hill Beverage Company, has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire American Beverage Corporation from Wessanen for approximately $55 million.

Prepared Foods and Ventura Foods proudly announce the opening of nominations for the 2015 Spirit of Innovation Awards. The program recognizes innovative product development teams for their work on exciting new products.

It’s been years since I’ve attended one of the Specialty Food Association’s annual Fancy Food shows. The last time I was on the show floor, it seemed attendees couldn’t get over the magic of a chocolate fountain. Truth be told, I still can’t. I find myself achieving a meditative state and staring at the smooth liquid skin of chocolate flowing from a tiny top ring to the big bottom one.

Alliance Consumer Growth (“ACG”), a consumer-focused investment firm, announced that its partner company KRAVE Jerky (“KRAVE”) has agreed to be acquired by The Hershey Company ("Hershey"). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

AccelFoods announced an incoming class of new companies. Six hand-selected startups will join the roster of promising brands backed by the AccelFoods platform. Acceptance into the program is a passport to accelerated, strategic growth.

In this role, he will be responsible for leading the company's $7 billion business in the United States and Canada, which includes Power Brands like Oreo and belVita biscuits; Triscuit and Wheat Thins crackers, Halls candy and Trident gum. Marques succeeds Mark Clouse, who became the company's Chief Growth Officer in July 2014.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced a realignment of its organization and key senior management appointments that unify all of its independent operating companies, brands, marketing, and more than 48,000 employees around the world under one corporate umbrella to accelerate the Company's growth and further its mission of providing "Good food. Responsibly."

The Hershey Company announced it is demonstrating its dedication to goodness through its great-tasting, high-quality products by beginning a transition to simple and easy-to-understand ingredients. This builds and expands on Hershey’s ongoing commitment to responsibly sourcing the ingredients it uses in its product portfolio.