Briefs

n ADM has announced that Ian Pinner has been named managing director, ADM Pura (the edible oils and fats business), adding this responsibility to his current role as MD of ADM Milling.

Pinner joined ADM in 1999 and held several commercial positions for ADM in Europe before joining ADM Milling UK as MD in 2002.

n Food and drink sector body Improve is jointly hosting a conference with William Reed Publishing entitled ’One Voice’ on 30 October at Bakers’ Hall in London.

Key figures from across the industry will discuss UK bakery skills issues and debate how bakery can ensure it gets its voice heard on the skills agenda in the UK.

n North-west baker Hampsons produced a special cake marking, the Eid celebration at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with the words "Eid Mubarak" (Happy Eid) in icing. Around 150 seven-inch square family-sized sponge cakes went on sale in Blackburn, Lancashire.

A Hampsons spokesman said: "We have a diverse customer base and we are continually listening to their needs. There has also been an input from our staff in the design and make-up for the Eid cakes."

n North Lincolnshire bakers have launched a campaign to protect Lincolnshire plum pudding under EU laws.

Bakery chains including AW Curtis & Sons in Scunthorpe and RA Sargeant & Son Butchers and Bakers in Barrow-upon-Humber want the fruity bread to be awarded traditional speciality guaranteed status by the European Union.