The Supply Side: Wal-Mart supplier community news briefs
by January 17, 2013 11:25 pm 58 views
• Kraft disputes packaging use with Kellogg
Kraft Foods Global Brands, a unit of Mondelēz International, recently filed a lawsuit against Kellogg Co. alleging patent infringement.
The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on Jan. 16.
The filing states Kellogg used packaging technology for its Keebler and Sandies cookies that Kraft claims mirrors its “Snack ‘n Seal” technology, which is patented.
Kraft was awarded a patent for the “Snack ‘n Seal” technology on July 19, 2005, and is seeking damages as well as a permanent injunction barring Kellogg from infringing the patent.
Kraft and Kellogg are suppliers to Wal-Mart with local sales offices in Northwest Arkansas
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• Sececa acquires Sunnyside Foods
Seneca Foods Corp. completed its acquisition of Sunnyside, Wash.-based Independent Foods, a privately-held processor of canned pears, apples and cherries.
The acquisition was first announced in November, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We believe these operations are a complementary fit with our existing canned fruit business,” said Kraig Kayser, president and CEO for Seneca Foods. “We are very excited about this acquisition and the addition of the Sunnyside, Wash., facility to our production facilities and the extension of our product offerings it brings to our company.”
• Crossmark promotes Crafton to CEO
Joe Crafton was named CEO of Crossmark, a sales and marketing services in the consumer goods industry.
Crafton, who served as president of Crossmark until his recent promotion, succeeds John Thompson, who has been CEO since 2010.
Thompson will now be chief strategy officer, focusing primarily on acquisitions and strategic alliances. He remains a shareholder, serves on the company’s board and will continue to be responsible for overseeing the company’s international businesses.
Ben Fischer will retain the role as chief operating officer and has assumed the additional title of president as well as other responsibilities.
Crafton began his Crossmark career in 1988, was elected to the board in 2000 and held a variety of leadership positions before being appointed president of the company in 2010. Prior to joining the company, Crafton was a manager with Procter & Gamble.
Crossmark has an office in Rogers and serves the local retail supplier community.