Biothera, Eagan, Minn., named Ryusendo Co. Ltd., Tokyo, its exclusive distributor in Japan of Wellmune WGP, a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of yeast that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy, as well as the company’s other immune health ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements.  

 Ethical Naturals Inc. (ENI) has been granted a U.S. patent on its whole grape extract ingredient, and the ingredient is patent-pending in China and the European Union.  

 Döhler-Milne Aseptics developed a broad portfolio of ginger flavors for food and beverage applications.  

 Virginia Dare Extract Co., Brooklyn, N.Y., appointed Robert J. Verdi as business director of health and wellness.  

Virginia Dare, Brooklyn, N.Y., appointed Henry W. Todd Jr. as vice president – international. 

 More than 18,000 attendees flocked to Las Vegas to attend the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2012 Annual Meeting & Food Expo, June 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  

 Pom Wonderful introduced a 100 percent pomegranate juice concentrate for use as an ingredient.  

 Roquette America is known for its creativity in developing beverage products with its innovative vegetable-based product platform, according to the company.  

Eagan, Minn.-based Biothera’s Wellmune WGP ingredient was found to offer a 40 percent reduction in upper-respiratory tract infection symptomatic days in long-distance runners, according to clinical research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine. 

 DD Williamson and ColorMaker Inc. invite attendees at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo, June 25-28 in Las Vegas, to visit The Color House at booth 1551.