Wilmette, Ill.-based BEMA, the baking industry suppliers association, has awarded scholarships to four baking industry professionals in October, bringing the total of scholarships granted this year to $22,848. BEMA offers the most comprehensive scholarship program in the baking industry. Scholarship awards fund up to 70% of program costs. Companies may apply for up to $7,000 worth of funding annually, and individuals may receive up to $3,000 of funding annually at a reimbursement level of 70%. Programs costing more than $3,000 are reimbursed at a 50% level with a maximum cap of $7,000.

Chicago-based Enjoy Life Foods, LLC, announced its purchase of the Perky’s line of crunchy, all-natural breakfast cereals from PGP International, a division of ACH Food Companies Inc., Woodland, Calif. According to Scott Mandell, Enjoy Life Foods’ CEO and co-founder, the Perky’s acquisition fits well with the company’s long-term strategy to continue expanding its natural food offerings for people on restricted diets.

Philadelphia-based FMC BioPolymer announced an average price increase of 7% to 8% for selected food-grade carrageenan products. The increases apply to worldwide pricing and take effect on Dec. 1, 2004, or as contracts allow. Significant, sustained increases in raw material, energy and freight costs are factors driving to the need to raise prices.

Atchison, Kan.-based MGP Ingredients, Inc., announced that it expects to post break-even or slightly above break-even earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Despite the variance, the company’s earnings guidance of $1.03 to $1.08 per share for all of fiscal 2005 has not been revised.

Houston, Texas-based Omega Protein Corp., the world’s largest manufacturer of fish oils, announced a manufacturing and supply agreement with National Starch and Chemical Co. Omega will be the exclusive provider for 100% of National’s requirements for long-chain Omega-3 fish oil. National will encapsulate Omega’s fish oil product, OmegaPure, into a free-flowing dry powder called Novomega, which will then be marketed to National’s worldwide customer base.

Lake Forest, Ill.-based Pactiv Corp. announced its third quarter 2004 earnings with sales rising 9% on strong volume growth and reports significant free cash flow.

BEMA, Wilmette, Ill., has initiated a search for a new president and chief executive officer. The effort follows the resignation of Robert O. Hirsch. BEMA, the baking industry suppliers association, has accomplished much in the last five years, including the establishment of a new office, 40% increase in membership and securing accreditation of the industry’s sanitation standards from the American National Standards Institute.

Saf-T-Gard International, Inc., Northbrook, Ill., promoted Daniel M. McGivern to vice president of sales. Additionally, Saf-T-Gard named Loren S. Rivkin to vice president of marketing.  

SPI Polyols, Inc., New Castle, Del., announced that Clement Opawumi joined the company as a senior food scientist in the Applications Research/Technical Services laboratory.

David Michael & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., has announced the promotion of Denis Blais to senior account manager. Blais is responsible for sales in the eastern portion of Canada. Jennifer Jacobs was appointed to senior account manager and is responsible for sales in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Mississippi and Kansas.

Intralox, L.L.C., Harahan, La., selected Gregg Poffenbarger as bakery corporate account manager. Donald Osborne has been named bakery team leader and Catherine Bres will fill the role of business development analyst for the bakery team.

The Peerless Group, Sidney, Ohio, named William Witten as director of operations where he will oversee day-to-day manufacturing, purchasing and Quality Assurance initiatives. Ray Anater was appointed to director of engineering.

Silliker, Inc., Stone Mountain, Ga., added Pamela Meijer as technical sales manager. She will be responsible for sales and customer service activities in the Southeast region of the United States.