Bell Earns 3 Excellent Ratings in SQF Audit
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. announced the company’s successful completion of its annual SQF Food Safety Program Audit, conducted by the Safe Quality Food Institute, across all North American facilities.
This past year, the highest possible Excellent’ratings were achieved by three of four locations, including its global headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. (96/100) in addition to Middletown, N.Y. (96/100), and Guadalajara, Mexico (100/100). Just shy of Excellent, its Brossard, Canada, facility secured a Good rating of 92/100.
“The SQF scheme recognized under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is widely known across the food industry as one of the highest standards in food safety. Our exceptional ratings are a true testament to our unwavering commitment to food safety and quality. Bell’s collaborative, cross-functional efforts have contributed to our growth and positively impacted the programs that keep products safe for our customers,” said Martha Herrera, Quality Assurance Project Improvement Manager at Bell’s global headquarters.
The SQF Food Safety Program is a “rigorous and credible food safety and quality program geared toward businesses looking to satisfy their retailers’ and buyers’ GFSI requirements. Their program
includes 13 codes that are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements from all sectors of the food supply chain. These codes provide sites with a HACCP-based approach to ensure that their products meet food safety requirements.” (SQF Institute, 2025)
Bell actively participated in the unannounced, three-day SQF Food Safety Program audit, covering key categories of focus such as food quality, employee training, product identification and traceability, allergen management and more as part of the Food Ingredient Manufacturing scope of certification. Bell follows the Approved Supplier Program with specific guidelines and requirements established by the SQF Institute, assuring consistent and safe production of products and services to strategic partners.
For more on Bell Flavors & Fragrances, visit www.bellff.com or follow Bell Flavors & Fragrances on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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Hormbles Chormbles ‘Make Candy Make Sense’
Hormbles Chormbles launched its first line of high-protein, zero-sugar, chocolate-flavored candy bars. Packed with 10g protein, 0g sugar, and 100 calories, Hormbles Chormbles exists to “Make Candy Make Sense,” born out of the idea that there should be a guilt-free option for those looking for a healthier, delicious indulgence.
Founded by Jared Smith, co-founder of RXBAR, Hormbles Chormbles was created to bridge the gap between the candy aisle and the nutrition world. Unlike other protein snacks trying to imitate candy, Hormbles Chormbles is candy first, made for those looking for a sweet treat with added nutritional value. With sugar removed, each 33g bar is crafted using high-quality whey and milk protein, meaning it is nutrient-rich and contains all essential amino acids. Not only is it satiating, but it is also functional and effective for muscle recovery.
“Candy never really made sense to me,” said Smith. “At RXBAR, we prioritized transparency and whole food ingredients, yet I still found myself reaching for whatever candy or snack was around. I had a cognitive dissonance with nutrition. I understood its importance, but I still craved candy. There was an opportunity to bridge the gap between the nutrition world and candy. That’s why we created Hormbles Chormbles. We removed the sugar and calories, then added protein, and made candy that makes sense.”
Hormbles Chormbles is designed to taste like candy – because it is. With a focus on functionality and taste, the bars deliver on the satisfaction of candy with none of the sugar crash. Each bar contains added crunch for extra indulgence, maintaining the taste and texture of traditional candy bars, every time.
“The candy you got as a kid on Halloween is still the same today. It’s loaded with sugar and offers no nutritional value,” Jared added. “At Hormbles Chormbles, we’re shaking up the candy aisle with something that’s never been done before.”
With protein becoming a mass-market trend and candy remaining one of the most consumed categories with 98% of American households purchasing candy annually, Hormbles Chormbles is in a prime position to disrupt both categories. The macro-nutrient profile is reflective of the brand’s commitment to innovation, ensuring they deliver on flavor, function, and better-for-you ingredients.
Peter Rahal, RXBAR co-founder and founder of David, sits as a key advisor, lending his expertise to the brand’s strategic growth to break into the $28.1B US chocolate candy market.
Hormbles Chormbles is now available for purchase at hormbles.com. The product is available in four flavors – Salted Fudge, Classic Milk, Cookies and Creme, and Peanut Butter – retailing for $39.99 per box (12 bars).
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Utz Brands Hires Kelley as Financial Officer, Promotes Stuart to Sales Role
William J. Kelley Jr.
Utz Brands, Inc. has appointed William J. Kelley Jr. (Bill) as executive vice president, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer, effective May 1. He will succeed Ajay Kataria, who will step down as those positions on May 1.
Kelley most recently served as global chief financial officer at Tropicana Brands Group, Inc. Upon joining Utz on May 1, he will work closely with Kataria to help ensure a seamless transition through May 31. Kelley will report to Howard Friedman, chief executive officer of Utz.
“Bill brings deep financial expertise and operational experience across some of the most respected names in food and beverage. We are excited to welcome him to Utz as we continue executing on our long-term growth strategy,” said Friedman. “I want to extend our gratitude to Ajay for his leadership and impact over the past eight years, the last four as CFO — his contributions were many, including as part of our public listing in 2020, multiple acquisitions and integrations, as well as a major ERP installation; all were instrumental in building our financial foundation. We wish Ajay all the best.”
Commenting on his appointment, Kelley said, “I have long admired the Utz brand and the tremendous momentum it has captured behind its geographic expansion. I’m thrilled to be joining the team at such an exciting time and look forward to partnering with Howard and the broader leadership team to drive continued growth and value for shareholders.”
“I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished during my time at Utz,” said Kataria. “It has been an honor to help grow and expand this great company. I will be supporting the team during this transition period and look forward to all that is ahead for Utz.”
Jeremy Stuart
Utz also announced that Mark Schreiber, executive vice president, sales & chief customer officer, will retire effective May 31, and will remain in a transition role through the end of June. He will be succeeded by Jeremy Stuart, currently senior vice president, large format.
Schreiber joined Utz Brands in 2017 and held multiple leadership roles across both Sales and Marketing. During his tenure, Utz’s annual sales grew significantly, supported by successful acquisitions, distribution expansions, and brand integrations.
“Mark has been a true champion of the Utz brand and a driving force behind our commercial success. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement,” said Friedman.
“Jeremy’s deep understanding of the customer landscape and operational focus make him the ideal leader to build on Mark’s legacy and take our customer partnerships to the next level,” added Friedman.
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