CHICAGO — Robert Weidner has joined the Blommer Chocolate Co. commodity team as senior strategic sourcing manager.

In his new role, Mr. Weidner will develop the sourcing strategy for cocoa and other identified commodity products, developing in-depth knowledge of the industry, supplier base, and competitive landscape, industry trends to define procurement strategies and ensure cost efficient procurement of key ingredients.

Additionally he will work in conjunction with Blommer’s sustainable initiatives and with various business partners to build supplier relationships in the global marketplace that add value and ensure overall competitive advantage in cost, value, quality, service, innovation.

According to Blommer, Mr. Weidner has a strong commodities and strategic sourcing background, including experience in the arenas of corn, cocoa, sugar, milk and oils.

“This diverse background will allow Robert to have impact in our sourcing strategies across numerous raw materials,” the company said.

He most recently was commodities and risk manager at Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, Inc., where he re-defined various hedging and risk strategies, managed and negotiated contracts and increased commodity collaboration across their numerous business interests.