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NaturalShrimp Showcases Aquaculture System in Norway

NaturalShrimp, Inc., a biotechnology aquaculture company that has developed and patented the first shrimp-focused commercially operational recirculating aquaculture system, showcased its Electrocoagulation and Hydrogas technologies by its research partner Marineholmen RASLab at the Tekna Aquaculture Conference that took place Nov. 23-24, in Trondheim, Norway.

The 2022 Tekna Aquaculture Conference focused on sustainable fish welfare, a smaller environmental footprint, and a circular economy in the value chain.

Dr. Mark D. Powell, CEO and general manager of Marineholmen RASLab AS, presented at the conference in a talk titled, “Technology Challenges in RAS and using Transformative and Disruptive Technology to Solve Them.” NaturalShrimp partnered with Marineholmen RASLab to evaluate the effects of hyper-antioxidant technologies on oxidation and fish health in recirculating aquaculture systems and received initial positive trial results of its short-term validation study.

“The focus of the presentation was on alternatives that NaturalShrimp’s technologies provide to the current state-of-the-art, and how it is truly transformative,” Powell said. “I believe that these technologies will lead to significant developments in the operation of farms and provide not only replacement of the conventional biofilter process, but also a potential remediation or back-up potential for supplementing biofilters such as after disinfection, fallowing or changes in stocking.”

Tom Untermeyer, NaturalShrimp COO & CTO added, “We thank Mark for including NaturalShrimp in his presentation to aquaculture industry experts in Norway. Our patented EC and Hydrogas technologies continue to prove themselves not only for the company’s shrimp production, but also for other species and additional applications.

“These easily controlled technologies electronically remove ammonia and nitrites, reduce the bacteria load, and improve the overall health of animals within an aquaculture system. The technologies can truly allow a zero liquid discharge system by not requiring water exchanges to remove excessive nitrate buildup when using traditional biofiltration methods. Our proven technologies are a critical part of our growth strategy, and we are highly focused on advancing and protecting this fundamental IP.”

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Dave Flitman Joins US Foods as CEO

Foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp. has named Dave Flitman as CEO effective Jan. 5. Flitman will also be a member of the US Foods Board of Directors.

Flitman has a background of global business leadership, executive management skills and extensive commercial distribution experience, along with significant expertise in operational excellence, supply chain, and general management with more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution across multiple, including food distribution.

“Dave is a highly accomplished executive who brings an impressive combination of CEO, supply chain and commercial experience and a proven track record of driving operational excellence, profitable growth, shareholder returns and a people-centric, high-performing culture,” said Bob Dutkowsky, executive chairman.

“This is a perfect time to join US Foods,” said Flitman. “It’s an honor and a privilege to lead US Foods into the future, alongside its talented 28,000 associates. I look forward to building on the current momentum the team has built in executing the company’s long-range plan, driving operational excellence, creating value for our customers and shareholders and fostering a culture where associates thrive.”

Since April 2021, Flitman has served as president and CEO of Builders FirstSource, the largest U.S. supplier of building products, prefabricated components and value-added services with annual revenues of approximately $23 billion. He was president and CEO at BMC Stock Holdings prior to the merger of the two companies. In these roles, he led his teams to consistently deliver industry-leading growth and profitability, exceed merger-related synergies in less than half the committed time and generate significant returns for shareholders.

Importantly, Flitman brings to the company significant knowledge and experience in the food distribution industry. From 2015 to 2018, he was president and CEO of Performance Foodservice, the largest segment of Performance Food Group, a U.S. foodservice distribution company.

Prior to that, he served as COO and president, USA & Latin America at Univar; senior executive vice president at Nalco; executive vice president and president, Water and Process Services at Ecolab and president at Allegheny Power. Flitman began his career at DuPont, where he spent two decades in various operational, commercial and global business leadership positions.

In addition to his previous experience as a director of Builders FirstSource and BMC Stock Holdings, Flitman also has been a director since 2017 at Veritiv Corporation, a leading packaging distribution company, where he is a member of the Audit and Finance Committee and chair of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University.

Dutkowsky will become non-executive chairman of the US Foods Board of Directors effective Jan. 5.

Andrew Iacobucci, interim CEO, will continue to lead US Foods until Flitman joins the company.

“I want to thank Andrew for his steadfast leadership over the past several months and as we finish the year,” said Dutkowsky. “In his interim role, he drove strong progress in executing our long-range plan as demonstrated in our third-quarter 2022 results.”

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Southern Glazer’s Expands Sassenach Spirits Distribution

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is expanding its distribution agreement with Sassenach Spirits, the spirits import company founded by Scottish actor and philanthropist Sam Heughan and American entrepreneur Alex Norouzi.

Inspired by the Scottish Highlands, The Sassenach Spirit Of Home Edition is a collaboration between Master Blender Michael Henry and Heughan. Carefully selected single malts create an ornately balanced blend with a sweet finish.

“Whisky is personal to me,” Heughan said. “It has been part of every moment in celebrating life, my heritage, and my culture. So, this wasn’t just a ‘business opportunity,’ it was the process of creating something very personal and unique that we could share with others. With our first release of The Sassenach, ‘The Spirit of Home’ Edition, we accomplished exactly that! The partnership with Southern Glazer’s is yet another endeavor to celebrate, and I can’t wait to work closely with them in bringing more of my home to consumers.”

The portfolio consists of The Sassenach Scotch Whisky: Spirit of Home Edition. Additionally, the company will launch a high premium Scottish Gin, scheduled to be released in 2023.

“This partnership is critical to the growth of our portfolio,” Norouzi said. “The Southern Glazer’s team brings strong proficiency in both the on- and off-premise markets and we know that the momentum we’ve created so far will be enhanced by their team.”

Sassenach Spirits is part of the Southern Glazer’s Craft Collection Luxury Spirits Division portfolio. The Craft Collection team of industry specialists delivers a differentiated customer experience, with first-hand beverage operations expertise, collaboration, and a thoughtfully curated portfolio.

“We’re pleased to be working with such a professional team,” said Ray Lombard, executive vice president, general manager, Craft Collection Luxury Spirits Division of Southern Glazer’s. “Sam personifies Scotland – his passion for Scotch and collaboration with Michael are truly bringing ‘Scotland in a bottle.’ Sam and Alex have built a formidable brand and we’re excited to be part of the next phase of growth. Our team is also looking forward to helping launch The Sassenach Scottish Gin and create a strong national footprint for the brand.”

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