Symrise Flavors (Teterboro, N.J.) hired William Antonace as executive vice president of operations and services North America. Also, Symrise GmbH & Co. KG (Holzminden, Germany) acquired the British flavor manufacturer Flavours Direct (Corby, England).

The obesity epidemic is a hot topic in the media. The Ingredient Based Obesity Solutions conference will take place June 8-9, 2005, in Chicago, and will cover the latest research information and technologies available to help food formulators develop products that are nutritious and that aid in alleviating the obesity crisis.

Low-fat diets might be fine for adults, but at least one small study suggests grown-ups using that approach for their families could be depriving young children of vitamins they need.

Pointing to the nation's growing obesity issues and related health problems, the federal government acknowledged that the traditional food pyramid, taught in classrooms across the country, has done little to curb Americans' appetites.

Coca-Cola is buying out Groupe Danone's share of a short-lived U.S. bottled water venture between the companies.

Shareholders of Hershey Foods Corp. voted to shorten the company's name to The Hershey Co. and to drop the longtime corporate logo.

Arla Foods named Tim Smith as its new chief executive.

Women who eat foods such as fish and nuts during pregnancy may reduce the risk of their daughters developing breast cancer in later life, it has been claimed.

Danish-Swedish dairy group Arla Foods and Dutch group Campina announced they were canceling plans to merge.

As part of a deal with Fortune Brands, Pernod Ricard offered 10.7 billion euros ($14 billion) for British rival Allied Domecq, yet rumors abound about other possible suitors.