In many countries, including those in Europe and North America, COVID-related disruptions remain the most relevant driver of foodservice performance in the near term. The pandemic has accelerated several strategic elements of the foodservice industry, which will continue to drive agendas even after the current crisis ends.

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, recently announced the addition of two new members to the technical team for Kemin Food Technologies - Americas. Daiki Murayama has joined the business unit as associate Scientist, and Michael Cropp has joined as technical services associate.

Barvecue, producers of wood-smoked, plant-based barbecue, broke ground on its new plant-based smokehouse. The 10,000-sq-ft production facility, to be called the Carolina Smokehouse, is scheduled to open in July 2021.

Greg Steltenpohl, Founder of Califia Farms and innovator in the plant-based foods space, has passed away.

Firmenich, the largest privately owned company in the fragrance and taste industry, is unveiling its newly designed West Coast Innovation Center in Anaheim, Calif., the long standing home of its 7.5 acre Durarome® production site and West Coast commercial business.

Bell recently completed an audit on its expanded range of USDA certified organic flavors at its Northbrook, Ill., location in partnership with Quality Assurance International (QAI).

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), an advocate and voice for the growing US flexible packaging industry, announced the winners of its 65th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. The winning entries were recognized during a virtual awards ceremony that was live-streamed on March 10.

Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing announced it has strategically realigned its portfolio to better reflect how, through its expanded product offering and capabilities, it supports customers to deliver future facing food experiences that consumers value.

Ka-Pop! Snacks, makers of Ancient Grain Popped Chips & Puffs, and Bubba's Fine Foods, makers of Paleo & Keto-friendly snacks, granolas, and private-label goods, announced a merger agreement.

Nestlé USA announced that it has acquired Essentia Water, a premium functional water brand headquartered in Bothell, Wash. Essentia pioneered ionized alkaline water more than twenty years ago and is the leading brand in that space in the US.