Treasurer dies after 55 years at Bell Flavors

Bell Flavors and Fragrances mourns the loss of Laurette Heinz, who was a treasurer at the company for 55 years as well as the matriarch of the Bell company ,as wife to the late Edward N. Heinz and mother to co-presidents James and Raymond Heinz. Laurette Heinz has been associated with the flavor and fragrance industry for over 70 years. She attended many Candy Production and AACT events. She is known to many of Bell’s long-time customers and will forever be cherished by her grace, eloquence, fashionable style and smile. She brought joy to everyone who came in connection with her. Ms. Heinz is survived by six children, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Vitiva names sales VP for Kentucky office

Vitiva, Slovenia, has opened a U.S. office in Kentucky, appointing Connie Sandusky, PhD, vice president sales and marketing for North America. Sandusky will oversee Vitiva’s commercial activities by developing key commercial relationships in the food, beverage and nutraceutical markets. Prior to Vitiva, Sandusky held technical sales and marketing leadership positions with Aurora Algae, DD Williamson, Kalsec and Solae companies. The new office will offer Vitiva’s expanded portfolio, including customized antioxidant solutions based on rosemary and other synergists  (VivOX, INOLENS, AquaROX and SyneROX); botanical extracts for nutraceutical applications, Sweet’n Vit customized stevia sweetener systems; and the Bright’n Color line of natural colors.

Stevia Council elects new president

Larry Fernandes from Ingredion Inc. has been elected president of the International Stevia Council (ISC). Fernandes is vice president global beverage, general manager Sweetener & Industrial Solutions North America for Ingredion Inc., formerly Corn Products Intl., and has served on the board of the ISC for the past two years. As president, Fernandes is supported by a Board of Directors comprising Mark Brooks of Cargill, Carl Horn of Real Stevia, William Mitchell of PureCircle and Sebastian Winkelhaus of Verdure Science.

Lab manager joins Enzymedica

Rana Whittaker, MS, has joined Enzymedica as lab manager. As the lab evolves from strictly verification to encompass more research and development, she will assist Dr. Maday Labrador, VP of scientific affairs, with new product development, as well as substantiation of existing products in the lab and through clinical studies. Whittaker comes to Enzymedica following a three-year stint as a professor of anatomy and physiology at State College of Florida. She received a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Florida. She pursued undergraduate studies at Towson State University, with dual degrees in biology and English and a minor in chemistry.