Polytainers Inc., Toronto, a leading supplier of rigid plastic packaging for the food and dairy industries, is expanding its current manufacturing facility in Lee's Summit, Mo., near Kansas City.

Polytainers Inc. , Toronto, a leading supplier of rigid plastic packaging for the food and dairy industries is expanding its current manufacturing facility in Lee's Summit, Mo., near Kansas City. The expansion will accommodate growth of Polytainer's business and allow the company to handle the future needs of its growing customer base.

"The expansion of the Lee's Summit plant represents another major investment on the part of Polytainers to satisfy current customer needs, guarantee continuity of supply, and provide leading-edge technology for the future," said Bob Barrett, the company's president. "We have experienced great success in this facility and this community. We are looking forward to continued growth out of our Lee's Summit facility."

The plant is one of two major manufacturing facilities operated by Polytainers North America, the other being in Toronto. It was built in 1990 to serve customers in the Midwest and western U.S. The facility houses 20 injection molding machines, and with this expansion will have the capacity to house 26 more machines.

Completion is scheduled for March 2004.

Global ingredients, flavors and consumer foods manufacturer, Kerry Group, Beloit, Wis., is acquiring U.S.-based Da Vinci Gourmet and Crystals International for a total consideration of $62 million. Da Vinci Gourmet is a manufacturer of branded flavored syrups, confectionery sauces and tea concentrates, while Crystals International is a leading specialist manufacturer of natural fruit and vegetable flavors for beverage, confectionery, dairy, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Cargill, Inc. , Minneapolis, will purchase OCG Cacao SA, a major supplier of industrial chocolate to the European food industry. Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition should be completed by the end of the year. This marks Cargill's first significant investment in chocolate manufacturing in Europe. OCG Cacao has grown rapidly since it was founded in 1997 and has the most modern chocolate processing plants in Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. Cargill does not currently manufacture industrial chocolate/chocolate couvertures in Europe, though it produces industrial and gourmet chocolate in the States under the Wilbur and Peter's brands. In Europe, Cargill is a major cocoa processor, supplying liquor, butter and powder to the chocolate industry and food manufacturers worldwide.

Danisco has released its third sustainability report, with an increased focus on stakeholder dialogue, supplier audits and social responsibility. The new sustainability report covers the sustainability activities in the more than 40 countries where Danisco is represented. Among the many sustainability areas, the report elaborates on strengthening stakeholder dialogue, supplier audits and implementing guidelines for social responsibility. As a first, the report is also available in an innovative online version, where the user can find the facts from the report, as well as explore the virtual sustainability universe, learn about specific cases from all around the world and gain insight into the world of sustainability.

"We continue to see progress with our sustainability work around the world," Says Søren Vogelsang, v.p., corporate sustainable development. "As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, we are obliged to live up to nine principles for social responsibility that fall within the categories: human rights, labour standards and the environment."

Elopak and European client Marks & Spencer were honored recently at the World Juice Conference in Amsterdam. Elopak's new Diamond Portion Pack is a new product designed specifically for the new "nomadic lifestyle." A small, paper-based portion pack with a wide screw-cap, it allows easy opening and easy and hygienic consumption on-the-go. Marks & Spencer's winning product is an excellent example of how close co-operation with suppliers can result not only in the creation of exciting and successful new products but can also bring direct and substantial benefits to farmers and to developing countries, in this case Ghana. M&S's new fresh pineapple juice product is not made from concentrate but from fresh juice in Ghana, and is processed and bottled in that country. It contains no additives and is delivered to UK retailers' shelves within 48 hours.

Frutarom Industries Ltd. has acquired Swiss flavors and extracts manufacturer Emil Flachsmann AG. The company is now referred to as Frutarom Switzerland Ltd. This month at FIE 2003, the company will be presenting itself to trade fair visitors under the new name.

Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. , Chicago and Novacel, Guadalajara, Mexico are joining considerable product, process and technical expertise to provide increased capabilities and service to food manufacturers in Mexico and the United States. Chicago-based Pechiney, a global leader in flexible packaging serving food manufacturers and marketers around the world, acquired Novacel, S.A. de C.V., headquartered in Guadalajara, in August.

Novacel, Mexico's leading custom supplier of flexible packaging, serves a growing flexible packaging segment in the region for bakery, salted snacks, labels and personal care products. Together with Pechiney, the business will be able to participate more fully in a strong trend toward flexible packaging in the Mexican marketplace. Novacel will retain its management team, which places special emphasis on safety and environmental responsibility. Two Novacel plants in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Zacapu, Michoacan, join four Pechiney packaging operations in Mexico.