Wixon, a manufacturer of seasonings, flavors, and technologies for the food and beverage industry, has announced the appointment of Mel Mann as Director of Flavor Innovation.

In this newly created position, Mann will develop and implement innovation processes for the organization intended to support new product growth. He also will oversee Wixon’s flavor lab, located in the company’s Innovation Center for Culinary and Meat Processing. Mann will report to Mariano Gascon, Wixon Vice President of Research & Development.

Mann has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has led product development in the areas of packaged foods, contract manufacturing, and restaurant menu ideation for ConAgra Foods, Jack in the Box, Fresh Express, Domino’s Pizza, and Sara Lee.

“We welcome Mel’s wealth of knowledge as he helps drive innovation in our flavor lab,” says Gascon. “Mel will lead in developing solutions to flavor challenges and producing the cutting-edge food, technology, and ingredient products that today’s discerning consumers demand.”

Mann received his master of business administration with a concentration in management from The University of Memphis; master of science in animal science from West Virginia University, Morgantown; and bachelor of science degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University.

Mann is an avid photographer and outdoorsman. He and his wife will be relocating to the Milwaukee area from Omaha.

Founded in 1907, Wixon is a fully integrated food and beverage ingredient leader providing flavor technologies, spices, blended seasonings, protein expertise, foodservice and menu solutions, and consumer products and packaging. Wixon’s brand promise of Service Driven Culinary Science gives customers the added benefit of food technology enhanced by the creativity of culinary arts. With its advanced scientific and culinary capabilities combined with a passion for service, Wixon drives innovation and provides solutions for its customers. Besides custom flavor formulations, Wixon offers R&D, product development, packaging options, inventory management, and just-in-time delivery. Located in St. Francis, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee, Wixon is GFSI Certified to FSSC 22000, ISO9001 Certified, and QAI Organic Certified. More information on Wixon or any of its products may be obtained at www.wixon.com or by calling (414) 769-3000.