INGREDIENT BRIEFS: Ajinomoto Food Ingredients LLC said it expanded its North American headquarters in Chicago by adding food product development capabilities. Officials say the new Application Center North America will focus on salt reduction, sugar replacement, textural improvement and incorporation of ingredients that improve health. Executive Director Jiro Sakamoto leads the facility, which includes a new analytical lab. . . Premium ice cream ingredient supplier Denali Flavors Inc., Wayland, Mich., said it hired Kenny Haller as executive vice president of sales. . . . Advanced Food Systems Inc., Somerset, N.J., says a new Web site at www.afsnj.com features a new "intuitive" design for quick searching of more than 500 custom food ingredient systems. Officials say the site lets food formulators quickly solve issues involving the balance of texture, flavor, stability, cost and production efficiency.