Gaudet was at one time a major player in the Canadian pie and tart market but has unfortunately fallen on hard times in recent years.

Five new leadership roles have been added to its executive and management teams to support strategic goals and expansion.

The launch comes six months after Minnesota's legalization of THC edibles and infused beverage purchases in July 2022. 

Before joining ingredients PLUS, Wagner was president and CEO of International Imaging Materials Inc.

The funding supports projects across the food value chain, including supply chain digitization, alternative proteins and sustainable packaging.

The industry veteran's sales, marketing and technical expertise aim to help the company's next phase of growth.

The company says that consumer preference testing has shown that the new Pepsi Zero Sugar outpaces the old formula across the board.

Craig Hafner has been promoted to CTO, and Craig Wolfe has been promoted to COO.

Kawabe will serve as chief representative for the U.S.A. and president/CEO of MAI.

The company expects to create 400 new jobs at its Caseyville Prepared Foods Plant.