CHICAGO, July 21, 2008 – Gilbert A. Leveille, PhD, executive director of the Wrigley Science Institute (WSI) has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Institute of Food Technologists' Nicholas Appert Award, one of the highest honors in food science and technology. Dr. Leveille received this lifetime achievement award at the 2008 IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo on June 29, 2008 and joined an esteemed panel of Nicholas Appert Award recipients that has spanned 65 years.
"This award honors IFT members for preeminence in and contributions to the field of food science and technology. We're pleased to present this award to Gilbert Leveille for his dedication and accomplishments in advancing the food industry," commented IFT President John Floros.
Throughout his career, Dr. Leveille has been at the helm of research related to health, nutrition and food science. He has worked tirelessly within the academic and private sectors to make major strides in achieving his career-long focus -- to address nutritional needs through improved food technology. In addition, Dr. Leveille has made an impact on public health serving on more than 30 academic, government and National Academy of Sciences committees as an advocate of sound science as the basis for public policy.
Dr. Leveille also has the distinction of being the only scientist to serve as the president of both the Institute of Food Technologists and American Society for Nutrition -- the premier organizations in food technology and nutrition (respectively).
In 2005, Dr. Leveille was appointed the Executive Director of the Wrigley Science Institute. He has become instrumental in the advancement and communication of scientific research on the benefits of chewing gum. Currently, Dr. Leveille and a global advisory panel of highly respected, independent experts help guide the research exploring how chewing gum can help reduce situational stress; manage weight; increase focus, alertness and concentration; and improve oral health.
"We are proud to have Gil as the leader of the Wrigley Science Institute," said Rob Peterson, Chief Innovation Officer for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. "His insight and expertise in nutrition, food science and technology has been instrumental in building the science base for the awareness and understanding of the benefits of chewing gum."
Before joining the Wrigley Science Institute, Dr. Leveille served as vice president of technology for Cargill's Food System Design Unit, and as a senior consultant on scientific and regulatory affairs for the company. Prior to Cargill, he spent three years as worldwide vice president, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, for McNeil Consumer Healthcare. In 1996, Dr. Leveille founded Leveille Associates, which provides scientific and regulatory consulting services related to food, nutrition and functional foods (nutraceuticals). Before forming his own company, Dr. Leveille held several corporate positions, including vice president, Research and Technical Services, Nabisco Foods Group (1986 to 1996); and director, Nutrition and Health Sciences, General Foods Corporation (1980 to 1986).
For more information about Dr. Leveille and the Benefits of Chewing™, visit www.wrigleygumisgood.com.
The Wrigley Science Institute
Wrigley is committed to advancing and sharing scientific research that explores the benefits of chewing gum. Through the Chicago-based Wrigley Science Institute, which works with independent researchers at leading institutions to learn more about the potential health and wellness benefits of chewing gum, Wrigley is pursuing four key scientific areas: how gum can help reduce situational stress; help manage weight; help increase focus, alertness and concentration; and improve oral health.
About the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE: WWY)
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has global sales of $5.4 billion and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands -- Wrigley's Spearmint®, Juicy Fruit®, and Altoids® -- have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint®, Life Savers®, Big Red®, Boomer®, Pim Pom®, Winterfresh®, Extra®, Freedent®, Hubba Bubba®, Orbit®, Excel®, Creme Savers®, Eclipse®, Airwaves®, Solano®, Sugus®, P.K. ®, Cool Air® and 5™.