CSM plans to close down its production facility in Illinois by the second quarter of 2007 as part of an optimisation process of the supply chain at CSM Bakery Supplies North America. The production facility employs 146 staff, making frozen dough, fillings and icings under the Karp’s brand.

THE European Commission has approved Cargill’s E540 million acquisition of Degussa’s food ingredients business, which makes colourings and sweeteners. It was investigating competition issues as both firms are leading suppliers of emulisfier lecithin.