Briefs 2009-04-01

Michael Buzalka

Ingredients/flavors supplier Kerry has acquired coffee extracts maker X Café.

Computrition, Inc., has been named a contracted supplier by the Premier, Inc., group purchasing organization.

Sigrid Garavito has joined Esrock Parrners as a senior account manager. She will be based in the agency's Chicago office.

Electrolux has named Mark Whalen president of Electrolux Food Service Americas division.

Butterball LLC has achieved Rising Star status from the North Carolina Occupational Safety & Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Programs.

Sara Lee has named Jan Pieter Schretlen vice president/general manager for its foodservice beverage unit.

Market Forge Industries, Inc., has acquired Stellar Steam to augment its steam cooking and Energy Star lines.

McCormick & Co., Inc., has selected Marriner Marketing Communications as its agency of record for its U.S. Industrial Group-Foodservice unit. The agency will assist McCormick in developing a new food-away-from-home brand identity and positioning, market communications materials and an advertising program.

Barber Foods has named Bruce Wagner its new CEO following the death last year of founder Gus Barber and the retirement of his son Steve. Wagner had joined the company in November 2007 as interim COO.

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has named Jerry Wilson executive vice president of sales & marketing. He had previously held that title with poultry producer Keystone Farms for the past nine years.

J&J Snack Foods Corp. has promoted Jerry Law to senior vice president of Western operations, heading up all operations and supply channels for J&J west of Missouri.

Lawrence Oberkfell has been named COO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, a newly created position. Currently, Oberkfell is an operating partner at the GESD Capital Partners private equity firm in San Francisco.

Manitowoc Co., Inc., has named Glen Tellock chairman, succeeding Terry Growcock. He will also continue to serve as president and CEO.

The St. Malachy Parish School in Brownsberg, IN, recently became the 16th school to receive a $2,000 grant from Kellogg's NuCrew Program. The grant is awarded to deserving schools to help offset the cost of implementing Nutrient Standard Menu Planning.