Sidel India received a silver trophy from India-based Plastindia Foundation for its outstanding production equipment for milk, juice and non-dairy beverage applications. The award, for the category “Innovative Plastics Processing Machinery & Ancillary Equipment,” acknowledged the Synergy Combi, a linear PET stretch blow molder combined with a linear filler.

Kalsec expanded its sales representation in China to support global growth by appointing Beijing Zhongbai Pioneer Chemical Products Co. Ltd. as its new distributor of Kalsec brand products to the northern China market.

Prinova Europe Ltd. expanded its European presence with the opening of a new office: Prinova Benelux & France N.V./S.A. The new location, based in Belgium, was created to provide a better level of service to the region with a local presence. Ritzo Richie was hired as general manager, responsible for overseeing the company’s operation and sales strategy.

Barry Callebaut launched Chocovision 2012, a meeting for senior business
leaders and key stakeholders. The conference, scheduled to take place June 5-7 in Davos, Switzerland, is the first of a series of bi-annual conferences. Speeches and panel discussions will focus on strategy, sustainability and success. There will also be high-profile keynote addresses by world-renowned musician and political activist Sir Bob Geldof and Nobel Prize winner Laureate Muhammad Yunus. The symposium will offer a platform for debate between business and politics, NGOs and scientists, suppliers, farmers and consumers — all key players in the value chain, from the cocoa bean to the chocolate bar.