The Independent Bakers Association names its 2013 executive officers at its 39th Annual IBA Meeting.

Plaza Belmont Fund III LP of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and several other investors have acquired Labriola Baking Co. in Alsip, Ill. Terms of the transaction, which did not include the Labriola Bakery Café, were not disclosed.

The Global Food Safety Initiative appoints Karil Kochenderfer at is North American representative.

The Bakers Courtesy Club of Chicago will hold its 83rd annual golf outing on July 12 at Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomington, Ill.

Last week, the U.S. Senate voted 66-27 for the sweeping 2013 Farm Bill that will cost nearly $955 billion over the next 10 years. The bill is the first step in a renewed attempt at passing legislation that will set the country’s food and agriculture programs and policy.

Buddy Valastro of the TLC network’s Cake Boss will headline the International Baking Industry Expo’s star-studded demonstration program, to be held Oct. 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The U.S. Senate voted 66-27 on June 10 to pass the 2013 farm bill. As the bill moves to the House of Representatives, items facing legislators include the dairy and sugar programs and potential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts.

New merchandising offerings, best-in-class product awards, high-profile speakers and a substantial international presence were some of the major drivers behind a 10% spike in 2013 expo attendance, says the National Confectioners Association.

Members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) recently met with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials currently determining legislative details of the pending Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Issues included exempting warehouses solely engaged in handling and storing processed goods.

Founded in 1973 by Susan Axelrod, Love and Quiches Desserts has grown from a kitchen-based enterprise to an international company known for its gourmet desserts and quiches.