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Bell Flavors & Fragrances Promotes 3 Executives

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has promoted three executives to senior leadership positions at its headquarters in Northbrook, Ill.

Bell Flavors & FragrancesMegan Paul has been promoted to the role of sensory scientist. In her new role, Paul will lead sensory work for all flavor technology and internal formula management projects. She will also continue leading flavor panels to support key flavor and product development efforts.

During her tenure at Bell, Paul has demonstrated strong drive for results and commitment to the sensory consumer science discipline. Key accomplishments include strategic leadership of sensory panels for FMP label requirements and select formula management projects. Paul also proved instrumental in efforts to increase efficiencies in panel set up and created SOPs for lab processes.  She is now a subject matter expert in Compusense and R Software and on track to complete her graduate certificate in sensory and consumer science by end of 2022.

Bell Flavors & FragrancesNoor Abo Alzahb has been promoted to the position of sales project manager. In this role, Alzahb will be responsible for management and growth for a segment of customer accounts as well as processing incoming requests for potential customers by screening website and telephone inquiries.  She will continue to improve the Bell Flavors & Fragrances customer experience through process improvements and working directly with the flavor and fragrance sales teams to streamline work flow. Another key responsibility consists of developing relevant reporting. Consequently, her efforts will continue to improve sales activity and win rates. Additionally, Alzahb will be engaged in sales team projects including support for large group meetings and improving the customer experience.

Since joining Bell in 2019, Alzahb has been working as an administrative lab assistant in flavors. She commands extensive understanding of Bell customer and project systems that will prove key in her new role. Prior to Bell, Alzahb worked in positions with a strong focus on customer experience.

Bell Flavors & FragrancesDavid Banks has been promoted to the position of senior marketing director. His role on the marketing team is pivotal to creating and executing new concepts, business models and channels to drive Bell’s position as an innovation leader in the flavors and fragrances industries. In this role, he will plan marketing and branding objectives, analyze market trends and recommend marketing and business development strategies, overseeing advertising, press releases, email and social media campaigns and strategies.

Since joining Bell three years ago, Banks has led marketing projects with a significant cross-functional collaboration. He has secured a depth in understanding the Bell customer and the marketplace and has developed partnerships with key talent at Bell to help our customer determine and realize their current and future needs.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has nine manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, and China. Bell operates sales offices in more than 40 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to customers.

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Oregon Fruit Products Appoints Prewett as President, CEO

oe Prewett (left) and Chris Sarles (right) stand outside Oregon Fruit Products headquarters in Salem, Ore. (Photo: Business Wire)

The board of directors for Oregon Fruit Products LLC has appointed Joe Prewett as president and chief executive officer. Prewett will assume the role effective mid-October, while current CEO, Chris Sarles, will help to ensure a smooth transition.

Prewett has been with Tillamook County Creamery Association since 2013 as executive vice president of brand and category growth, where he helped more than double the company’s net sales by leading the company’s growth planning, marketing and product innovation. Prewett has been a member of the Oregon Fruit Products board for two years and helped shape its current strategic plan.

“We’re honored to have someone of Joe’s background and expertise step in to help guide the future of Oregon Fruit Products,” said Sarles. “Joe’s experience working with our business, as well as his vision and passion for people and culture of the organization are a perfect match for what we’re seeking for the next phase of the company’s growth. I’m pleased to pass the torch and I look forward to watching Joe lead Oregon Fruit Products to even greater success in the years to come.”

Before joining Tillamook, Prewett served as vice president of marketing for Farmer Brothers Coffee, Coffee Bean International and Medical Research Institute. Prewett has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s in business administration from the Anderson School at UCLA.

As president and CEO of Oregon Fruit Products, Sarles helped assemble the team that has helped to create the sustained growth trajectory the company has experienced. Sarles is stepping down and plans to focus on non-profit organizations that help women and children that need a “hand up” to launch forward in their lives.

“I’m excited to step into this new role with a company that has an incredible reputation for product excellence and customer service,” said Prewett. “Chris and I both enjoy developing world-class teams with bold vision and purpose. I look forward to building upon the momentum at this great Oregon company.”

Founded in 1935, Oregon Fruit Products offers a complete line of canned, frozen and shelf-stable premium fruit for consumers, foodservice operators and ingredient sales. The company is the recipient of the Oregon State University Center for Family Enterprise’s 2022 Business Renewal Award and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Agricultural Producer of the Year Award. Oregon Fruit Products is located in Salem, Ore.

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Laura Chenel Goat Yogurt Line Discontinued Due to Rising Costs

Laura Chenel is discontinuing production of its award-winning probiotic goat yogurt because the recent rising costs of milk and other materials, which means that the company can no longer produce this product at an affordable price, according to a letter sent to customers from National Sales Director BJ Frank.

Effective Sept. 30, Laura Chenel will discontinue the Laura Chenel Probiotic Goat Yogurt line (Plain & Vanilla 4.75 ounces and Plain 23 ounces.).

“We are committed to bringing good, wholesome food to home cooks and chefs across the nation,” Frank wrote. “With this in mind, for the last few years, we’ve made delicious, award-winning, gut-friendly probiotic goat yogurt that was well received by our consumers.

“Other than freeing up resources, this change does not impact any of our other product lines at Laura Chenel or within our family of brands, St. Benoit Creamery and Marin French Cheese Co.,” Frank wrote.

Laura Chenel introduced a new chapter in American cheese in 1979 when she started making farmstead goat cheese with milk from her goats and techniques she learned in France. Today, Laura Chenel still embodies its founding namesake’s trailblazing spirit as a leading producer of fresh and aged goat cheeses crafted with fresh goat’s milk from family-owned farms in California, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho. Located in the heart of Sonoma County,

Laura Chenel is the first creamery in the United States to be awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certification for achievement in green building sustainability. Its commitment to environmental practices, such as solar energy and water recycling, helps preserve the terroir for generations to come.

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