Palm oil is the most used vegetable oil in the world, according to World Wildlife Fund, and is found in everything from ice cream to laundry detergent. Unfortunately, conventional production has resulted in significant negative environmental and social impact, including large-scale deforestation that’s endangering the future of orangutans.

A graduate of Kansas State University with a master’s degree in Food Science, Francis has more than 17 years of progressive food industry experience with responsibilities encompassing areas of R&D, regulatory, and food safety management. Under her leadership, Litehouse earned the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certification for its Simply Artisan Reserve’s manufacturing plant, the industry’s highest and most rigorous safety achievement.  

As the maker of beloved food and beverage brands including Dannon®, Danimals®, Silk®, So Delicious®, Horizon Organic®, Vega® and Wallaby®, among others, Danone North America is a top 15 food and beverage company and top organic food manufacturer in the US.

An accomplished food and grain science expert, Dr. Cai joined MGP in the role of applications scientist in 2013.  He previously had served as a post-doctoral research associate in cereal chemistry at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. 

Food and beverage companies of all sizes have made important additions to leadership and management in recent months. Below is a short list of notable executive appointments.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has been presenting sofi Awards since 1972, celebrating culinary excellence and creativity worldwide through recognizing the outstanding work of its members. The 2018 winners include a wide range of culinary delicacies, from mouthwatering sauces to delectable desserts to savory snacks. Winners were chosen from more than 2,650 entries in a blind tasting by a national panel of culinary experts. 

Major ingredient suppliers, technology-driven, on-demand grocery businesses and high-end confectionery companies all experienced activity in the world of acquisitions last month.

Cocoa For Good is expected to impact the lives of thousands of farmers in cocoa-growing regions with a focus on West Africa where about 70% of the world’s cocoa is grown.

Daniel Sullivan, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Temple, said, “It’s a very exciting opportunity and honor to partner with Dunn’s River Brands. DRB is a world class organization of experts in all aspects of beverage brand building. We are thrilled to be working together on remarkable multifunctional innovations.”

As part of the reorganization, Campbell Fresh will become part of the Accelerator unit to realize the growth potential of the packaged fresh category. The new unit will also be responsible for long-term innovation, small brand incubation, future consumer experiences, e-commerce and new distribution models.