Imbibe Appoints New Senior Director, Product Development

Imbibe — a Wilmette, Ill.-based flavor developer and supplier of beverage concentrates, ready-to-drink beverages, liquid dietary supplements and dry beverage mixes for private labeling — announced the appointment of Young Kang as senior director of product development.

According to Imbibe, Kang has 25 years of experience in the flavor and beverage industries, with an expertise in dairy and dairy alternative beverages. He spent the last four years at WhiteWave Foods and served at Coca-Cola prior to that. Kang’s expertise in low acid products will help Imbibe to maintain its competitive edge.

Dairy beverages are not a new undertaking for Imbibe, the company said. From 1977 through 1993, the company managed international dairy operations for the U.S. Military. This unique experience allows Imbibe to act in the dairy category in two ways: as an ingredient supplier in RTD finished products, and as a custom developer for dairies looking for value-added opportunities to leverage existing equipment. Imbibe offers brand owners both custom formulation and a variety of control brand products available as-is or as private label alternatives.