The Milk Accelerator competition was designed to inspire innovation and investment in fluid milk products, packaging and capacity within California by connecting manufacturers, producers, investors, ideas and entrepreneurs for high quality, sustainable dairy beverages.

Axelrod most recently served as CEO of Passport Global Foods and Fine Choice Foods, a leading manufacturer of globally inspired cuisine, and as president of TreeHouse Foods’ $1.5 billion condiments division.

Schlafer brings more than 25 years of experience in the food industry and a proven track record of business and leadership success to his role at Foremost. 

With its comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the food and pet food industries, ADF/IDF will complement the nutrition portfolio with a highly diversified range of natural based solutions.

The award was presented by Ryan Joy, senior director of research and development and Patti Dumars, senior vice president of purchasing at Checkers/Rally’s.

“We recruited Vic to lead Kar’s Nuts’ next phase of growth and innovation,” said Nicolay. “Vic is a proven consumer packaged goods executive with over 26 years of experience successfully leading and growing innovative snacking and confectionary brands, with a focus on strong sales, marketing, innovation and brand-building strategies.”

The $1.5 million investment was designed to inspire innovation within the bakery market, and includes all the equipment, capabilities and bakery support team needed for Kemin and its customer-partners to accelerate product development. 

LaPerriere  will help grow the company’s legacy as the pioneer in domestic pork, beef and lamb raised humanely and sustainably by US family farmers and ranchers.

Attendees had the opportunity to taste foraged ingredients in savory, sweet, and beverage applications that were prepared by the Bell Flavors & Fragrances Culinary team.

IFF Taste CEO Matthias Haeni said, “With last year’s acquisition of Frutarom, our teams have been working to leverage the increased offerings, such as colors, inclusions, nutritional ingredients and natural food protection, to the benefit of our customers. The new site, with more space, state-of-the-art culinary equipment, and a beautiful customer co-creation space, will allow us to bring more of our resources to the fore and greatly expand innovation in this strategic area of growth.”