Givaudan Flavors Corp., Cincinnati, has acquired International Bioflavors Inc. (IBF), Oconomowoc, Wis., a supplier of natural dairy flavors, specializing in concentrated dairy notes. The acquisition of IBF provides Givaudan, an industry leader in sweet, beverage and savory flavors, with a leading position in dairy and cheese products and technologies. With flavor operations in more than 40 countries around the world, Givaudan is well positioned strategically and operationally to leverage and expand IBF’s technologies and products in major markets that have been untapped to date. For more information call, 513/948-8000, or visit www.givaudan.com.
Huhtamaki has introduced a new organization for its European and North American operations, which together account for over 80% of the company's business. The changes are designed to promote growth through a more customer-oriented approach, more uniform product offerings, higher emphasis on innovation and the removal of regional structures in Europe. The new organization is based on Divisions corresponding to the company's broad customer categories. In Europe, there will be three main divisions: Consumer Goods, Food Service and Fresh Foods. The North American business will be conducted under two Divisions: Consumer Goods as well as Foodservice & Retail. The respective Division Presidents will report to Executive VP Americas, Mark Staton. A total of eight business units have been set up to address the most important market segments. For the Consumer Goods Division, these include frozen desserts, processed foods, non-foods and flexibles. For the Foodservice & Retail Division, they are retail, national accounts, foodservice distribution and Mexico. The North American Technology and Development function will be reinforced and will report to Staton, as will Fresh Foods, a new business initiative.