Vernier, Switzerland-based Givaudan Flavours has introduced TasteSolutions™ for Health and Wellness program in concert with the ever-growing consumer demand for more healthful products. The TasteSolutions™ program enables food and beverage manufacturers to launch products that both contribute to healthier lifestyles and taste great, while offering the benefits of being nutritionally fortified or reduced in sugar, salt, or calories.

The program provides essential ingredients, such as maskers, modifiers, and enhancers, along with the experience and knowledge to utilize this portfolio of unique ingredients in customized ways to deliver the great taste consumers expect. Expertise in product formulation, sensory science, ingredient development, and regulatory affairs, along with the world’s largest group of flavor scientists, are key components of this program, the company relays.

Kerry Americas unveils the newest product in its line of gourmet breaders: the Cuban Sofrito. Inspired by popular Cuban cuisine, the Cuban Sofrito is a light and crispy, mild heat breader infused with complementary flavors including tangy orange, cilantro and cumin. Featuring colorful fry-stable particulates, the gourmet breader can be fully customized for any application including chicken drummies and strips, fish filets, shrimp and more.

Chr. Hansen’s new owner is the leading European private equity firm PAI Partners. Their intention is to use Chr. Hansen as a platform for growth, which could happen through continued expansion of geographic market coverage, and investment in capacity and R&D, as well as potential add-on acquisitions.

“I see some very interesting perspectives ahead,” says Lars Frederiksen, Chr. Hansen’s new chief executive officer, who is excited about the opportunities that the new ownership will open for both the company and its customers. “Our new owner has clearly stated that Chr. Hansen will be the platform for further growth in a consolidating market. It means that the Chr. Hansen brand will continue, the headquarters will remain in Denmark, and that we basically will follow our strategy as it is laid out today — only with more focus on growth, both organically and perhaps through acquisitions.”

Frederisken will lead the company together with the management team of Leif Norgaard (chief financial officer), Hans Thorkilgaard, executive vice president, Global Production and Supply; and Peter Olesen, CSO.

Chr. Hansen will consequently continue its operation in its present form and with its present organization.

“I see this as a big opportunity for both Chr. Hansen and our customers,” says David R. Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of Chr. Hansen North America. “We look forward to continuing the strong cooperation and partnership in the marketplace in the future. We are excited to have PAI Partners as our new owner, and this will allow us to develop value-added products and systems to meet our local customer needs.”

Chr. Hansen is a worldwide leader in natural ingredients to the food industry, with global market leadership positions in cultures, enzymes, and natural colors, as well as strong positions in flavor solutions, and health and nutrition products for humans and animals.