The National Honey Board, Firestone, Colo., released results from an independent consumer research survey that found that 93 percent of consumers consider honey a “natural” sweetener, and 48 percent of those consumers say they look for product labels that include honey, the association says.

New York-based Kyowa Hakko USA announced the promotions of Leo R. Cullen, to president and chief executive officer, and D. Christopher Nolte, to vice president of nutritional sales. A member of the Kyowa team since 2007, Cullen will be responsible for growing the North and South American pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and cosmetic business areas. Nolte, who previously served as director of sales, will be tasked with growing Kyowa’s dietary supplement and cosmetic business in North and South America.

DuPont Nutrition & Health, St. Louis, published scientific evidence that supports the appetite-suppressing effect of its dietary fiber Litesse polydextrose in two meta-analyses that investigated the impact of Litesse consumption on calorie intake and subjective feelings of appetite, the company says. The first meta-analysis concluded that the inclusion of 6.25-25 grams of Litesse in a mid-morning snack reduced lunchtime calorie consumption by 5-15 percent, while the meta-analysis of subjective appetite ratings found a similar positive effect, it adds.

On Feb. 2, Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) announced it reached an agreement to purchase a controlling stake in Harvest Innovations, Indianola, Iowa, a supplier of minimally processed, expeller-pressed soy proteins, oils and gluten-free ingredients, the company says. The new capabilities build on and complement ADM’s wide range of ingredients to meet the growing demand for organic, expeller-pressed, gluten-free and non-GMO food and beverages, it adds. “Today’s addition perfectly complements our existing ingredient businesses and offers customers a full-service, one-stop shop for their ingredient needs,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s WILD Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business unit, in a statement. ADM anticipates closing the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, in the coming months.

To combat freshwater shortages, Hinoman Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel, sought a water management solution for its vegetable protein cultivation. The company now offers a proprietary, eco-friendly hydroponic cultivation process for plant protein that fosters water savings of as much as 90 percent and is suitable for a variety of climates, including semi-desert areas as well as colder climates, the company says. Additionally, its patented technology utilizes a semi-closed-environment system to control and optimize the Mankai plant, a high-protein strain of duckweed grown in shallow water. In comparison to soy, kale or spinach, Mankai uses 10 times less water to grow as a crop, according to the company.

Wixon, St. Francis, Wis., launched its redesigned website, wixon.com. “We are pleased to launch our new website with a fresh look and improved site navigation,” said Peter Gottsacker, Wixon president, in a statement. “Customers, partners, end-users, and other visitors will find what they’re looking for with greater ease.” The following are some of the features of the new site: mobile responsive, expanded career page, comprehensive information on Wixon’s expertise and core areas of strategic focus, an extensive resource area to include trend reports and innovative product offerings, and enhanced information about Wixon’s sustainability and philanthropy. In other news, the company named AnnMarie Kraszewski R&D lab manager for the industrial ingredients division.

Algatechnologies Ltd., Kibbutz Ketura, Israel, announced verification by the Non-GMO Project for its AstaPure ingredient. The Certification of Compliance, together with the NGP seal, was received January 2016. Verification by the Non-GMO Project ensures that AstaPure natural astaxanthin products are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard, including ongoing testing of high-risk ingredients. AstaPure astaxanthin is sourced from the Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

Robert Tioseco recently was appointed evaluation director at Bell Flavors and Fragrances, Northbrook, Ill.

Chicago-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) launched IFT Food Facts on ift.org. IFT Food Facts is an online resource that contains videos and fact sheets with tips related to the science of food that consumers can use at home, at the store and on the go. IFT’s member experts answer common questions about food safety, nutrition and food chemistry, as well as address common myths and misperceptions about food science and technology. The new website features five sections: latest videos and fact sheets, food safety, nutrition, chemistry, and the science of food. The site also prominently features either the latest food facts video or a video covering a current trending “hot topic” in the news.

BI Nutraceuticals, Rancho Dominguez, Calif., promoted Randy Kreienbrink to vice president of marketing.