MEMBER AND INDUSTRY NEWS

what’s right for the cooperative and our farmers, and to seeing Agri-Mark and our brands flourish and grow.”

NORTHEAST DAIRY FOODS ASSOCIATION, INC.

AGRI-MARK NAMES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

In March, David Lynn was named President and CEO of Agri-Mark, ensuring a seamless leadership transition. Lynn had been serving as the organization’s interim CEO since September 2022.

Lynn has been with Agri-Mark for five years. He started as SVP Operations and was promoted to SVP Top Operations in September 2020. Lynn has nearly 28 years of experience in consumer packaged goods and food manufacturing. Prior to Agri-Mark, Lynn worked for the Kroger Company for 12 years, including three years as Vice President of Operations for Kroger’s subsidiary, Turkey Hill Dairy. Lynn’s experience includes roles with L’Oréal USA, Hillshire Farm, and seven years in the United States Navy.

“Leading Agri-Mark through this transition has been an honor,” said Lynn. “Now it’s time to continue the great work the leadership team has initiated over the last few months. I am committed to keeping our momentum going, to doing

CABOT CREAMERY/AGRI-MARK WIN BEST IN CLASS AT NATIONAL CHEESE & BUTTER COMPETITION

Cabot Creamery/Agri-Mark had five best in class finishes at the United States Championship Cheese Contest in February:

• Extra Creamy Premium Salted Butter

• 10% Plain Greek Yogurt

• Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt

• Agri-Mark Grade A Dairy Product Solids

• Agri-Mark Nonfat Dry Milk powder

The contest is considered the nation’s premier technical cheese, butter, and yogurt competition and it has been hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association biennially since 1981.

“Over the years, our cheese has won every major award for taste, which is a testament to our farmers, the high-quality milk they produce and our cheesemakers,” said Matt Mason, director of product strategy. “I was extremely proud to see our butter and Greek yogurt recognized at this level too. A lot of time, research and energy went into the development of these newer products, that have been selling really well. It’s validating to be recognized by not only the consumers, but the judges too.”

ORGANIC VALLEY WELCOMES NEW CEO, RECOGNIZED AS 2023 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR USA AWARD WINNER

Jeff Frank is the new chief executive officer of Organic Valley, the nation’s leading cooperative of small organic fam ily farms. Outgoing CEO Bob Kirchoff announced his retirement to the cooper ative in 2022, and his last day was Jan. 31.

Frank joins Organic Valley from a 25-year career at Hormel Foods, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong ability to drive business growth. He began his journey with Hormel Foods in 1998, holding various senior roles in prod uct and brand management. In 2009, he took on the role of vice president of marketing at MegaMex Foods. He was later promoted to president and CEO of MegaMex Foods, where he successfully led global supply chain efforts and brought successful consumer packaged goods to the market.

Organic Valley was also recognized as a winner of the 2023 Product of the Year USA Awards. Determined through a national study of 40,000 American shoppers in partnership with Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, Product of the Year is the largest consumer-voted awards program centered around product innovation, and the Organic Valley Flavored Creamers were awarded the highly acclaimed honor of the best product within the Coffee Creamer category.

“It is an honor to be the first farmer-owned cooperative endorsed by Product of the Year,” said Jaclyn Cardin, Organic Valley chief brand officer. “Our team at Organic Valley set out to make everyday coffee better with a delicious, high-quality creamer that isn’t filled with artificial fillers and a laundry list of synthetic ingredients. Organic Valley creamers add a delicious and smooth flavor to coffee without overpowering drinks and recipes. Receiving the Product of the Year red seal reinforces that we achieved that goal with our Flavored Creamers. And consumers can feel good knowing that every Organic Valley purchase helps save small organic family farms.”

Lactalis Usa Wins 20 Medals At 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest

Lactalis USA was recognized in February for dairy production expertise with 20 medals at the United States Championship Cheese Contest conducted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.

“We are honored to receive this industry recognition for our premier brands enjoyed by our customers and consumers,” said Esteve Torrens, chief executive officer of Lactalis USA. “This recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of our talented team of U.S. employees who strive every day to bring nutritious and quality products to the American consumer.”

Lactalis USA received medals for several products from its broad range of premier brands, including Galbani, Président, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Knudsen, Karoun, and Gopi. Lactalis USA received five gold medals, including for its Galbani Low Fat Ricotta, Président Double Crème Brie, Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar Cheese, Karoun Greek Style Honey Yogurt, and Whey Protein Isolate.

Former Ceo Of Upstate Niagara Cooperative Honored With Idfa Laureate Award

In January, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized the remarkable leadership of Larry Webster, former CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, by honoring him with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its fourth year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to a leader in the dairy industry who has made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.

Webster served as chief executive officer of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. and general manager of O-AT-KA Milk Products. Webster’s career of more than 45 years has been spent working exclusively in agribusiness and spanned three Fortune 500 companies and one large independent. He joined Upstate Niagara in 2005, oversaw completion of the merger of Upstate Farms Cooperative and Niagara Milk Cooperative, and led the organization through a period of tremendous growth. In addition, Webster served on the IDFA Executive Council, the IDFA Fluid Milk Board, and the Milk Industry Foundation Board of Directors. He is married with three children and eight grandchildren.

“There’s no higher award than award from peers,” said Webster. “I’ve been blessed throughout my career to be surrounded by talented, driven people. I’m so humbled and grateful to receive the IDFA Laureate Award.”

STEWART’S PARTICIPATION IN CHOWDER FEST PROVIDES MORE THAN 6,000 MEALS

Stewart’s Shops served more than 750 bowls of its new Southwest Corn Chowder at the Saratoga Chowder Fest.

It raised $1,545 at the event and presented a check to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to support their mission to feed those in need. This donation will provide more than 6,000 meals.

“The Regional Food Bank Food is a valuable community resource,” said Jennifer Frame, director of corporate philanthropy. “We recognize that food insecurity is a real problem in our communities there is so much need out there. The Regional Food Bank is a crucial resource for our communities, and we are proud to support them.”

Have you recently won an award? Do you have any new products coming out? Are you planning an expansion? Email

NORTHEAST DAIRY SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Kl Ckner Pentaplast Group Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Klöckner Pentaplast, a global leader in recycled content products and high barrier protective packaging, announced that going into Scott Tracey’s fifth year with the company, the time has come for him to repatriate to the USA, and as such he is stepping down from his role as CEO. Tracey will continue to partner with SVP and will remain a resource to the Board.

The Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Roberto Villaquiran as its new CEO, effective April 3. Tracey will work closely with Villaquiran to ensure a successful handover of the business over the coming months.

Villaquiran joins kp from Canpack Group, where he served as CEO for the last four years. Prior to Canpack, Villaquiran also served as CEO of Logoplaste, following a more than 30-year tenure with Smurfit Kappa, a global market leader in the packaging industry. Villaquiran brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry and a solid track record of business growth and transformation.

HYDRITE® WINS WISCONSIN MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Hydrite®, an integrated manufacturer and supplier of chemicals and related services, was recognized as a Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award winner in the Mega Category for outstanding achievements in manufacturing.

The Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) program recognizes the state’s top manufacturers of all sectors and sizes for their commitment to quality careers, good business practices, financial growth, innovative processes, and reinvestment into local communities. Four Grand Award winners, based on company size, were recognized. The Mega Category is defined as 500+ employees.

“My grandfather, R.C. Honkamp, said, ‘All of this is possible with the excellence of our people, Hydrite’s greatest asset, who are the foundation and driving force of our success and our future.’ For this reason, I dedicate the award to my grandfather and our employees,” said Hydrite President Kevin Honkamp. “It is an outstanding achievement and honor to receive this prestigious award. Congratulations to our fellow winners and all 28 nominees for their contributions to Wisconsin's manufacturing industry.”

Berry Global Ceo To Retire At End Of 2023

Berry Global Group, Inc., a leading supplier of packaging solutions for consumer goods and industrial products, announced that Thomas Salmon will retire as chief executive officer and chairman of the board effective Dec. 31, 2023.

“I am extremely proud of all that our talented team has accomplished as we continue to execute our strategy and trailblaze the industry by developing sustainable and innovative packaging, even during a period of unprecedented global disruption,” said Salmon. “Thanks to the continued hard work and dedication of the entire organization, I am confident the Company is well-positioned to continue to deliver significant value for all stakeholders.”

Farm Credit Awards Efforts To Develop And Promote Northeast Agriculture

The Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program, a joint effort of Farm Credit East and CoBank, recently provided $65,000 in grant funding to 17 organizations to assist their efforts to support young and beginning farmer initiatives, encourage youth leadership development, promote diversity equity and inclusion, and advance northeast agriculture, forestry, and commercial fishing.

In the latest round of grants, recipients implementing projects to support young and beginning farmer initiatives, youth leadership development, and educational opportunities include: Maine Agriculture in the Classroom; Connecticut FFA Association; New Hampshire Agriculture in the Classroom; the New Jersey Agricultural Society; New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program; Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire; the Northeast Cooperative Council; The Horticultural Society of New York; New Jersey Breeders Association through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture; and the University of Massachusetts.

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Other programs focused on promoting diversity and inclusion and advancing northeast agriculture, forestry and commercial fishing include: CNY Fiber Arts Festival; Foodshed Alliance’s Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise program; Isle’s, Inc., a community development and environmental non-profit; Maine Farmland Trust; New York Restoration Project; and the Vermont Foodbank, including the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program.

VIVOLAC INTRODUCES NEW “INFUZE” LINE OF FLAVOR CULTURES

Vivolac Culture Corporation has introduced their new line of flavor cultures called “INFUZE.” Vivolac’s award winning cultures have already been used for years to produce a wide array of cheeses, but the company sees more and more adjuncts being used to enhance flavor.

“Time and time again our customers are asking us to give them something that makes their products unique,” said Aaron Miller, who heads up Vivolac’s sales team. “We also see artisan producers who are trying to set themselves apart from larger companies to gain market shares, and large companies who are trying to break into the Artisan markets with flavors that really grab the end consumers.”

Some of the early blends released will be: Alpine, Sweet, Gouda, and Parm.

Stanpac Announces Acquisition

Stanpac is pleased to announce that it has acquired J.I.T. Manufacturing Inc. of Patterson New Jersey. The purchase, which closed on Jan. 31, complements Stanpac’s ice cream novelty packaging products and broadens its packaging offerings into the confectionary market with U board packaging and bases for cakes and bakery products. JIT, founded in 1989, specializes in Rotary Die Cutting, Slitting/Rewinding, and Flexographic Printing.

“We are pleased to have the JIT team join our Stanpac family,” said Matt Witt, Stanpac co-president.

“We look forward to working with new customers and existing partners, and are very pleased with the additional product offerings,” added Andrew Witt, Stanpac co- president.

Tremcar Usa Expands

Tremcar USA will construct a new manufacturing building in Strasburg, Ohio and is expanding its service center to welcome two additional bays. The construction of the new building, which will include three new production lines, is scheduled to be in operation by the end of summer 2023. The extra 20,000 square feet of manufacturing space is devoted to the production of aluminum DOT 406 tankers. As for the service center, the extra 5,000 square feet of surface area will be more than welcomed as the need for maintenance and repair space is pressing.

“Established since 1998 in the United States, and since 2004 in Ohio, it is time we invest to renovate our installations to meet greater demands from our customers in the USA,” said Daniel Tremblay, president of the Tremcar group.

Pactiv Evergreen And Amsty Launch Circular Polystyrene Food Packaging Products

To help major food brands achieve important sustainability goals, Pactiv Evergreen, a leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America, is teaming up with AmSty, the leading manufacturer of polystyrene in North America and a pioneer in circular recycling of polystyrene. Pactiv Evergreen will soon offer customers innovative foam polystyrene packaging products with AmSty’s post-consumer recycled content derived from advanced recycling technologies.

“Pactiv Evergreen produces thousands of products in more than a dozen materials that protect, package and display fresh food and beverages,” said Eric Wulf, president of Pactiv Evergreen’s food merchandising business unit. “Our broad material expertise enables us to support our customers quickly and effectively as they seek more sustainable products. Our collaboration with AmSty expands our portfolio of circular packaging, and we’re pleased to offer this solution to our customers.”

Based on a mass-balance approach, select Pactiv Evergreen packaging will use ISCC PLUS-certified recycled polystyrene from AmSty. ISCC PLUS is an internationally recognized certification process for circular content, which audits the supply chain from end-to-end. Consumers can feel confident about purchasing a product linked to ISCC PLUS-certified recycled content derived from advanced recycling technologies.