Kalsec announced the appointment of Mark Staples as executive director of marketing. Staples brings 19 years of global client and agency marketing experience from several organizations, including his most recent role with The Kellogg Company. 

Highlander Partners, L.P., a middle market private investment firm based in Dallas, announced the sale of Chicago Custom Foods, LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of branded seasonings, to Sauer Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Falfurrias Capital Partners.

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), a food allergy advocacy organization and a private funder of food allergy research, launched a new resource geared at raising awareness of the benefits of introducing a variety of new foods to babies and educating people on how they might be able to help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.

Hormel Foods launched a virtual internship program to accommodate 60 college students from around the country. With internships in flux at many corporations due the effects of COVID-19, Hormel Foods believed it was imperative to not only honor its commitment to inspired summer interns, but rethink and revolutionize its entire program.  

New Hope Network awards REBBL the 2020 NEXTY Award for "Best New Ready-to-Drink Beverage," recognizing REBBL Gold Label Mayan Cocoa Elixir. The NEXTY Awards honor the most progressive, innovative, inspiring and trustworthy products in the natural products industry.

Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co., a global manufacturer of specialty citrus products for the juice, baking, dairy, retail, nutraceutical and food service industries, appointed Mark Reed as president and chief operating officer, effective May 1, 2020.

The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA), the international trade association representing prebiotic manufacturers, brands and allied partners, announced that FrieslandCampina Ingredients has joined the organization at the Member level.

Kentucky Fried Chicken ("KFC") China, operated by Yum China Holdings, Inc., became one of the first national Western QSR (quick service restaurant) brands to introduce a plant-based meat product to China. For a limited test period between April 28-30, KFC Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets will debut at three participating stores in three Tier 1 cities across China.

Aleph Farms, Ltd., announced its new sustainability strategy: to eliminate emissions associated with its meat production by 2025 and reach the same net-zero emissions across its entire supply chain by 2030.

Laird Superfood announced closing a $10 million financing round, funded entirely by Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV) to support its growth initiatives.