Miller in the Spotlight: Aderemi Adepoju, Championing Quality at Dangote Sugar Refinery

At Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), quality is not just a standard, it is a promise. This commitment was celebrated at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards Ceremony, where DSR proudly received the “Best in Vitamin A Compliance for Sugar” award. The recognition reflects years of deliberate effort to ensure that every bag of sugar leaving the refinery is not only sweet, but safe, nutritious, and fortified to meet national standards.

Aderemi Adepoju (center) receiving the award at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards Ceremony for Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Behind this achievement are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to uphold product integrity. One of them is Aderemi Adepoju, the Quality Assurance Manager at Dangote Sugar Refinery, whose day-to-day work plays a vital role in ensuring that quality and fortification remain non-negotiable.

For Aderemi no two days are exactly the same, but each one begins with clarity of purpose. “A typical day at Dangote Sugar Refinery starts with meetings and discussions around what we want to achieve for the day,” he explains. These morning check-ins are not routine formalities; they are strategic touchpoints where the quality team aligns on daily production targets, reviews operational realities, and maps out how best to deploy available resources. “We look at the resources that are available and harness them to ensure that we meet our target for the day. At DSR, our target is set daily, and we make sure we achieve it.”

From production monitoring to quality checks and fortification verification, Adepoju’s role sits at the intersection of precision and responsibility. Each batch of sugar must meet strict internal and regulatory benchmarks, especially when it comes to Vitamin A fortification. For him and his team, this means constant vigilance; checking processes, validating results, and ensuring that standards are not just met, but sustained.

Aderemi Adepoju (center) with the Millers for Nutrition team at Dangote Sugar Refinery, Lagos, Nigeria, during a courtesy visit at the start of the year.

Yet beyond the technical demands of the job, what truly drives Adepoju is the human impact of his work. When asked about the most rewarding part of his role, his answer is immediate and heartfelt. “A part of my job that makes me the most proud is that I am in the position to ensure that those who take our products are able to get quality products and get the best, even more than the money they spent on the products.”

It is this mindset, putting the consumer first, that defines Adepoju’s approach to quality assurance. For him, sugar is not just a commodity; it is a product that reaches millions of households and contributes, in its fortified form, to better nutrition outcomes. Knowing that his work helps families access safe, adequately fortified sugar gives deeper meaning to every inspection, meeting, and report.

Together, Aderemi Adepoju ’s dedication and Dangote Sugar Refinery’s culture of excellence demonstrate what is possible when quality, accountability, and impact are placed at the center of production. This journey is further strengthened through the support of Millers for Nutrition, which provides technical assistance to help ensure that fortification is done correctly, consistently, and in line with national standards. Through this collaboration, DSR continues to refine its processes, build technical capacity, and sustain high levels of Vitamin A compliance. 

Miller of the Month – Ruth Butende, Quality Assurance Manager, Buffalo Millers Ltd., Kenya

In a milling industry driven by evolving technology, food safety standards, and a growing emphasis on nutrition, individuals who champion quality and commitment stand out. This month, we shine a spotlight on Ruth Butende, the dedicated Quality Assurance Manager at Buffalo Millers Ltd.

As our November 2025 Miller of the Month, Ruth shares Buffalo Millers Ltd.’s commitment to producing safe, nutritious, and fortified maize flour, operating by their motto, “Quality before Quantity.” She also highlighted the company’s achievement of the respected ISO 22000:2018 certification and driving tangible benefits through a strong focus on gender equity and continuous improvement.

Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?

Buffalo Millers Ltd joined Millers for Nutrition to help reduce micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A through flour fortification, improving community health and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Through the Millers for Nutrition, we receive training and technical support that enhances product quality and operational efficiency. Our participation in Millers for Nutrition also demonstrates our commitment to safe, nutritious food and fosters collaboration with other millers and nutrition partners to promote innovation in fortification.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

Our motto “Quality before Quantity” reflects our commitment to producing safe, nutritious, and fortified maize flour that meets all legal standards while promoting better health outcomes for our consumers. This commitment is upheld through regular quality checks and laboratory testing conducted by trained and competent staff. In addition, we have fully integrated fortification into our production processes as part of our Food Safety Management System (FSMS), ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with fortification standards and regulatory requirements.

Tell us about your gender equity program. How has it impacted your business?

At BML, promoting gender equity is fundamental to our operations. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for both men and women in recruitment, training, and career advancement across all levels. We maintain fair representation of women in key departments, including quality assurance, production, and administration, encouraging a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone. This commitment has delivered tangible business benefits, leading to improved teamwork and overall productivity

How long have you been in the milling business? How has the industry changed in that time?

Buffalo Millers Ltd has been in the milling business for over 12years now, focusing primarily on the production of high-quality maize flour and by-products. Over this period, the milling industry has evolved significantly, with major improvements in technology, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. There have been enhanced production and quality control systems, ensuring greater efficiency and product consistency. Additionally, increased emphasis on food fortification, nutrition, and compliance with health and safety standards has transformed how mills operate.

What’s your proudest achievement?

The BML team is most proud of achieving the highly respected ISO 22000:2018 (FSMS) certification, an accomplishment supported by Millers for Nutrition. This recognition has significantly enhanced our knowledge and continues to drive improvements in our product quality. Furthermore, our dedication to excellence has been formally acknowledged with the Superior Diamond Mark of Excellence for our products. Beyond these technical achievements, our enduring motto, ‘Quality before Quantity,’ guides our commitment to promoting a positive work environment built on quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Miller of the Month – Yanee Lasahido, Head of Research & Product Development, PT. Food Station Tjipinang Jaya (PERSERODA), Indonesia

Food Station has a mandate of providing staple foods to the residents of Jakarta, for example through the Pangan Murah Bersubsidi Program. Do you think there is a place for fortified rice in this program, and how would that benefit the Food Station’s mission?

The Subsidized Food Program is a social safety net program for the people of Jakarta that is budgeted by the Jakarta Provincial Government and implemented by BUMD Food Station throughout the year. If we look at the Food Law No. 18/2012, which regulates and ensures the consumption of safe, quality and nutritionally balanced food. This means that food provision for the community is not only calorie-based but also nutritious. Thus, the answer is that fortified rice is a choice that makes sense provided that the price of the rice is not higher than the applicable price ceiling and has a clear purpose, for example increasing immunity or reducing anemia. Converting regular premium rice into special medium rice / fortified rice is very possible as long as this is approved by the Governor.

Can you share the challenges and successes you’ve faced during the launch of your fortified rice product, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

From the beginning, we realized that the biggest challenge in fortified rice is the higher price of regular rice; public awareness of health and knowledge about fortified rice is still minimal. For other technical matters such as FRK providers, I think it can be done gradually and the technology already exists. While the demand from the government is not yet open, we are testing this product in commercial areas with the aim of getting insight as well as introducing this rice to the public. To reach people who are vulnerable to health (underprivileged), government intervention is needed. The government must be a demand creator from regional to national scale. We also adjusted the marketing communication of this product by approaching the community of mothers who care about their children’s health. It can’t be fast, but we see a better awareness of this product. At this stage, seeing a change in awareness in the community, even if it is limited, is very promising. We are well aware that this is a process.

How do you see fortified flour rice contributing to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in Indonesia, and what role do you think millers play in ensuring nutrition security?

If we look at some existing studies from international or local, fortified rice should be a reasonable option. Besides being efficient, it can reach the public widely and quickly, considering that rice is the staple food of most people in Indonesia.

I think all rice will definitely go through a rice mill, from this alone we can know that rice mills play a very strategic role in delivering food quality that is not only good in appearance but also meets good nutritional criteria. I think rice mills need to get intense technical guidance or some workshop in order to produce fortified rice with more proper results.

What collaborations or partnerships has Food Station formed to support its fortification efforts, and how can millers work together to promote nutrition and fortification?

From the beginning we also realized that this fortified rice will be useful for many people. We realize that rice ii must be produced in each region, not necessarily in Jakarta. Therefore, in addition to producing, we also collaborate with many parties including millers, FRK producers, blend/mixer machine providers, including BUMDs and Provincial and District Governments who visit and conduct comparative studies at Food Station to introduce fortified rice and how to make it. Our Rice Mill Unit and blending machine at Cipinang site are also open for comparative studies. We hope that the information about fortified rice can be better absorbed and start thinking about implementing it in their respective regions. Incidentally, the Jakarta Provincial Government also has an inter-regional cooperation program and through this office we can discuss and socialize fortified rice to overcome stunting and other health problems in their respective regions. This can also be collaborated with universities.

Going forward, what are your plans for expanding fortified rice production and distribution, and what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of fortification?

Currently, awareness about fortified rice is starting to grow among rice entrepreneurs, but this is not enough. Because the awareness of fortifying their products, especially rice, is a long-term result and not just a matter of business. For us, this is a statement that it is the people’s right to live a healthy life and we are trying to deliver it. We are well aware that this is like running a marathon, we must have enough energy to achieve this goal. We will continue to socialize this to production partners, namely rice mills under our guidance, in collaboration with modern retail outlets and traditional markets as well as Provincial and district governments through the Food Security Office and their respective regionally-owned enterprises.

Miller of the Month –  Jessica Nworgu, Quality Control Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN)

For our August Miller of the Month feature, we are proud to highlight Jessica Nworgu, Quality Control Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN). FMN recently achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards, with four of their brands: Golden Penny Prime Flour, Golden Penny Confectionary Flour, Classic All Purpose, and Superfine wheat flour jointly securing the top position in the Top Five Excellence Awards.

1. Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?
Flour Mills of Nigeria (Golden Penny) joined Millers for Nutrition because we believe we can achieve more when we work together with other millers. The platform offers a unique opportunity for us learn new ideas, share experiences, and get the right support to make our fortification work even better. This includes access to cutting-edge research, innovative fortification techniques, regulatory insights, and a forum for peer-to-peer learning with other leading millers committed to similar goals.

2. Tell us about your commitment to food fortification
For us, food fortification is more than a business requirement, it is a commitment to improving lives. Every batch of flour we produce is meticulously checked to ensure optimal micronutrient levels, safety, and nutrition, aligning with Flour Mills of Nigeria’s mantra: “Feeding the nation with nutritious food everyday.”

3. Tell us about your gender equity program. How has it impacted your business?
At FMN, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for women across all areas of our company, including technical, operational, and leadership roles. Through comprehensive training, mentorship programs, and a fair recruitment process, we encourage an environment that champions diverse perspectives, strengthens teamwork, and ultimately leads to improved outcomes. This commitment also cultivates a positive workplace culture that reflects favorably on our business.

4. How long have you been in the milling business? How has the industry changed in that time?
For over 64 years, Flour Mills has been a part of the milling industry. The milling industry has evolved so much since then. Technology now plays a bigger role, and there is more focus on nutrition, sustainability, and meeting strict quality standards. My role has similarly expanded, transitioning from a primary focus on production to leading initiatives improve nutrition and strengthen partnership

5. What’s your proudest achievement?
I am immensely proud of the impact our fortified products have had on combating micronutrient deficiencies nationwide. On a personal note, witnessing the growth of younger colleagues I have had the privilege to mentor into confident industry professionals brings me great satisfaction. Above all, these awards (five awards at 2025 MFI award ceremony) is the height of my career in flour milling

Miller of the Month – Sifa Lucas Mkanda, Quality Analyst at Wilmar Tanzania Limited

Our Miller of the Month for July is Sifa Lucas Mkanda, a Quality Analyst at Wilmar Tanzania Limited. Sifa’s role has consistently evolved to meet the demands of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences within the milling industry. Wilmar Tanzania Limited demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and regulatory compliance through its dedication to food fortification, especially in addressing malnutrition in East Africa.

How long have you been in the milling business? How has your role changed?

With five years in the milling industry, my role has evolved significantly due to technology and consumer shifts. Initially focused on lab analysis, quality, manual fortification, and food safety, my responsibilities now include integrating automation and ensuring fortification compliance. This evolution demands continuous learning and adaptation to technological and regulatory changes. Data-driven decisions optimize operations and meet demands for healthier, sustainable products. My journey reflects significant technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, transforming my role and positioning our operations for the evolving global market.

Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?

We joined Millers for Nutrition to align our operations with global food fortification best practices, enhance our product quality, and contribute meaningfully to public health. This membership provides us with free technical assistance, including tailored training, product testing support, and access to online tools and business advice. These resources have been instrumental in improving our fortification practices and reducing compliance risks.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification and Quality Assurance?

Wilmar Tanzania Limited is deeply committed to food fortification as a strategic approach to combat malnutrition in East Africa. Our dedication aligns with national policies and global initiatives aimed at improving public health. In April 2025, Tanzania implemented the 2024 Food Fortification Regulations, we have proactively embraced these regulations, ensuring compliance with the new standards. Additionally, Quality assurance is central to our fortification strategy. We have installed automated dosing equipment and implemented robust quality control systems to ensure the precise addition of Vitamin A. These measures guarantee that our products meet the required nutritional standards and support public health objectives

Tell us about your new technology and how it impacts your business? 

We significantly improved our food fortification initiatives by adopting innovative technologies , positively impacting both business operations and public health. A key achievement is the installation of automated online dosing pumps. These pumps precisely add Vitamin A to oil, a process previously done manually into storage tanks, without increasing production costs.

What advice do you have for other millers that might want to implement/try?

Millers considering implementing food fortification, there are key recommendations that will lead them to successful practice; Invest in Capacity building and training: By understanding fortification methodology and its importance together with attending food fortification training programs offered by fortification stakeholders will enable them to acquire knowledge and skills to implement effective fortification practice.

May 2025 Miller of the Month is Abhishek Agarwal, Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

May 2025 Miller of the Month: Abhishek Agarwal – Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

1.  What inspired Shyamatara Rice Mills to venture into fortified rice production?

Shyamatara Rice Mills (P) Limited has played a pivotal role in improving the nutrition space of the people of West Bengal since 2005. Our family being present in the rice milling industry for the past 47 years has adopted and understood the needs of the market as and when the market demanded a change. With the food quality being deteriorated day by day, our focus changed to how we can provide nutrition through supply of fortified rice in the open market in West Bengal in the variant which is most consumed by the people of Eastern part of India.   

Our May 2025 Miller of the Month is Abhishek Agarwal, Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

2.  Can you share the challenges and successes you’ve faced during the launch of Bengal Crown Fortified Rice?

Our venture into fortified rice in West Bengal was a decision made consciously over the past 6 months after realizing the true need of the product in the open market. Being one of the first movers in West Bengal for this product, our main challenge was to ensure our marketing is such that we are able to convince the consumers about the importance of Fortified Rice and how just by adding it in your daily diet, there is a stark difference in their vitamins, zinc and Iron Levels which are crucial in the overall health for a human.

3.  How do you see fortified rice contributing to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in West Bengal?

Fortified Rice has already been quite a success story for the Indian Government ever since it has been implemented in the rice supplied for the Public Distribution System. Almost 65% Indians consume PDS supplied fortified rice in India. Our focus is on the remaining 35%. Almost 1/3rd of the population being exposed to malnutrition because of non consumption of fortified rice is a huge number. We can surely address low Iron and Vitamin levels strongly as it is the most economical way of getting a balanced diet across all socio-economic groups.

4.  What role do you think millers play in ensuring nutrition security, and how can we collaborate further?

Millers play a very crucial role in ensuring nutrition security for all as the Government has trusted the milling stage in the whole cycle to ensure true and fair fortification of staples. We as millers have to ensure we are able to keep the Government’s trust. In the future, we can collaborate with NGOs, Government agencies and industrial bodies to ensure fortification is understood and accepted by every consumer.                                                       

5.  Looking ahead, what are your plans for expanding fortified rice production and distribution?

We have already introduced fortified rice across most varieties of non basmati rice processed by us and most of the products are available on E- commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Going forward, we envision that fortified rice will be accepted at such levels in the open market that there will be only fortified rice production and distribution across all variants processed by us.

 6.  Any message for our readers, particularly those interested in nutrition and fortification?

The whole community collectively has to ensure acceptability of fortified staples across all consumer levels. Consumer awareness holds the key to ensure success of this dietary change in our daily lives which we want to bring. There is a vey big opportunity for fortified staples if marketed well and accepted by consumers. Entry of more and established players will only help in achieving the motto of bringing fortified food in every plate across the globe. 

April 2025 Miller of Month: Stanley Oluwasanmi Gbelee, Quality Assurance Manager, Eagle Flour Mills, Nigeria

We’re proud to highlight Stanley Oluwasanmi Gbelee, Quality Assurance Manager at Eagle Flour Mills, Nigeria, as our Miller of the Month. Stanley and his team were recognized at the 2024 Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) Awards, where Eagle Flour Mills was celebrated for producing a top five fortified flour brand (Eagle Wheat Flour) in Nigeria.

What is your commitment to Food Fortification?
My commitment to Food Fortification is a hundred percent. I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that the flour leaving our factory is adequately fortified, thereby helping to reduce micronutrient deficiencies among Nigerians. I have been a champion of food fortification for many years, even before it became mandatory in Nigeria.

Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?
As a Quality Assurance Manager, I understand that continuous learning is essential to ensure adequately fortified products. Joining Millers for Nutrition was an opportunity to strengthen my expertise. The platform equips me with up-to-date knowledge and best practices, enabling me to perform my role more effectively. Every training, resource, and discussion helps me improve our fortification processes and product quality.

What is your proudest achievement?
We take great pride in customer satisfaction. My greatest professional joy comes from knowing that customers trust and enjoy Eagle Flour Mills’ products. When we visit markets and receive positive feedback, or when our customer care line receives no complaints or returns, it confirms we are on the right track. This achievement reflects not just our quality production, but also the positive impact of fortified products on households across Nigeria.

What would you tell other millers about joining Millers for Nutrition?
Being part of Millers for Nutrition makes it easier to improve and maintain consistency in fortification. This helps sustain and strengthen fortification efforts, ensuring consistency. Furthermore, through the Micronutrient Fortification Index, Millers for Nutrition recognizes and celebrates millers who work diligently to make a difference. I strongly encourage other millers to become members to enjoy all these benefits and more.

March 2025 Miller of Month: Faria Yasmin, Chief Business Officer, ACI Foods & Commodity Brands, Bangladesh

March’s edition of Miller of the Month, focuses on Faria Yasmin, Chief Business Officer at ACI Foods & Commodity Brands, in Bangladesh.

ACI Food started fortifying oil in response to Bangladesh government mandates. What motivated the decision to also fortify rice and wheat flour, and how has the company’s commitment to fortification changed over time?

ACI has always been committed to improving the nutritional landscape of Bangladesh. While oil fortification was a regulatory requirement, we saw a larger opportunity in addressing micronutrient deficiencies through staple foods like rice and flour, which are consumed daily across all socio-economic groups.

Our motivation came from the high rate of malnutrition in Bangladesh, particularly the fact that 29% of children and 45% of women suffer from deficiencies in iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin A, which have long-term health and economic impacts. Given that rice is a staple for over 200 million Bangladeshis, ACI became the first to commercially launch fortified rice in the country. ACI’s rice portfolio is the most diverse in Bangladesh, offering a wide range of varieties tailored to different consumer preferences and socio-economic segments. We have already fortified three categories of rice with six essential nutrients and have several more fortified rice variants in the pipeline, targeting different types of rice for different consumer groups across various income levels. We strongly believe ACI Pure Fortified Rice would be a game changer in the industry for combating malnutrition in Bangladesh.

Similarly, fortified wheat flour provides another effective way to deliver essential nutrients to consumers. Recognizing the widespread consumption of wheat-based products in Bangladesh, we have recently launched ACI Pure Power Flour (Fortified Atta), enriched with 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc, and key B vitamins. This fortified atta is designed to help address micronutrient deficiencies while ensuring consumers continue to enjoy their everyday meals without changing their eating habits.

Over time, our commitment has gone beyond just following rules, we now focus on educating consumers, keeping prices affordable, and building strong partnerships to make fortified foods a regular part of people’s diets. Our collaboration with NGOs, policymakers, and global nutrition initiatives reflects our long-term investment in food fortification as a sustainable business and public health solution.

What specific benefits or support have you received from Millers for Nutrition that have helped your business grow or improve?

Millers for Nutrition has been a great support in our fortification journey. They’ve helped us with technical guidance, making sure we get the right process for nutrient retention, blending, and quality control so that our fortified products actually make a difference. They also connected us with other millers, creating a space where we can share experiences, learn from each other, and tackle challenges together. This has been really useful in improving how we approach fortification.

Another significant contribution has been highlighting ACI’s fortification efforts internationally, ensuring our work in Bangladesh is recognized in global nutrition discussions. This has provided us with opportunities to showcase our initiatives, share our impact, and engage with international organizations working towards similar goals. They’ve also introduced us to global experts in food fortification, giving us access to the latest knowledge and best practices. This has helped us refine our products and stay updated on what’s working in other markets. Their support has helped us improve not just our fortified products but also our reach and impact. It’s been a valuable partnership that keeps pushing us forward.

Can you share any innovative marketing or promotional initiatives you’ve undertaken to raise awareness about fortified wheat flour and rice?

We have taken a 360 degree approach to raise awareness about ACI Pure Fortified Rice, ensuring consumers understand its importance in fighting malnutrition. We started with a television commercial (TVC) designed to connect emotionally with consumers, especially parents. The TVC highlights the importance of fortified rice in a child’s development and addresses the malnutrition problem in Bangladesh. The message reinforces how ACI Pure Fortified Rice can play a vital role in ensuring a healthier future for children and families, making nutrition a key priority for parents.

To further expand the message, we worked with social media influencers, nutritionists, and health-lifestyle advocates to engage with consumers online. Through educational videos, recipes, and expert discussions, we made fortification a relatable and easy-to-understand concept, helping people see how fortified rice can be incorporated into their daily meals.

In addition, we launched billboard campaigns in high-traffic areas, using clear, simple messaging to educate people about the benefits of fortified rice. Alongside this, we conducted market activation programs, where our teams directly interacted with consumers and retailers. Through face-to-face conversations, leaflets, and scientific data, we explained the importance of fortification, ensuring that both customers and shop owners understood how ACI Pure Fortified Rice could improve nutrition and overall health. By combining TVC, social media, outdoor advertising, and on-ground activations, we have created a strong and effective awareness campaign, making ACI Pure Fortified Rice a trusted choice for better nutrition.

What advice do you have for other millers?

Millers have a crucial role in improving nutrition through fortified staple foods, but the impact goes beyond just meeting regulatory requirements. Fortification should be seen as a long-term investment rather than a compliance obligation. It builds consumer trust, strengthens brand equity, and contributes to public health in a meaningful way.

One of the biggest challenges is consumer awareness. Without proper education, even the best fortified products can struggle to gain traction. It’s important to clearly communicate the benefits of fortified foods through packaging, advertising, and direct engagement with consumers. Simple messaging that explains how these products improve health can make a real difference in adoption.

Collaboration is also key. Working with government bodies, NGOs, and industry alliances can help expand fortification efforts and ensure they are financially viable and widely accepted. At the same time, maintaining quality and transparency is essential. Consumers need to trust that fortified products deliver the promised nutritional benefits.

The future of food fortification in Bangladesh depends on collective action. By working together, millers can play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s nutrition landscape, making fortified foods a regular part of everyday diets.

February 2025 Miller of Month: Iddi Mvungi, Compliance Manager, Bakhresa Millers,  Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Food vehicle: Wheat Flour, Maize Flour

February’s Miller of the Month Iddi Mvungi, Compliance Manager for Bakhresa Millers, talks about the company’s commitment to fortification and experience with Millers for Nutrition.

Can you talk about your commitment to food fortification?

At Bakhresa, our commitment to food fortification is rooted in the belief that enhancing the nutritional quality of staple foods like wheat flour can significantly improve public health. By incorporating essential nutrients into our flour, we aim to combat malnutrition and support healthier communities. Our focus on fortification not only aligns with regulatory standards but also reflects our dedication to providing Tanzanians with high-quality products that contribute to their well-being.

How has joining Millers for Nutrition impacted your business?

The technical assistance we receive from Millers for Nutrition has been transformative for our operations. Their expertise in flour fortification and industry best practices has enabled us to enhance the quality of our products, streamline our processes, and ensure compliance with nutritional standards. This support has not only strengthened our market position but also built consumer trust in our fortified offerings. By collaborating with Millers for Nutrition, we have improved our operational efficiency and reduced costs associated with fortification, allowing us to pass those savings on to our customers.

How do you inform consumers about the benefits of fortified flour?

Educating consumers about the advantages of fortified flour is a crucial part of our mission at Bakhresa. We recognize that many consumers may choose cheaper alternatives without understanding the nutritional benefits they forgo. To address this, we train our sales and marketing teams on the importance of consuming adequately fortified products. By partnering with organizations like Millers for Nutrition, we aim to amplify our messaging through targeted communication strategies that inform the public about how fortified flour can positively impact their health. Our goal is to empower consumers with knowledge so they can make informed choices that enhance their well-being.

What advice do you have for other millers?

My advice to fellow millers is to embrace food fortification as a vital component of your business strategy. Prioritizing the nutritional content of your products not only benefits public health but also differentiates your brand in a competitive market. Stay open to innovation and continuously seek out training and collaboration opportunities, such as those offered by Millers for Nutrition. By doing so, you can enhance your operational efficiency and ultimately contribute to a healthier population while ensuring the sustainability of your business.

January 2025 Miller of the Month: Ritik Patel, Director – Shivam Flour Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Winner – Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Wheat Flour) at the Champions of Food Fortification and Nutrition by Millers For Nutrition, India.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification?
My commitment to food fortification stems from a belief that improving the nutritional value of staple foods like wheat flour can have a significant impact on public health. By integrating essential nutrients into everyday foods, I aim to address malnutrition and promote healthier communities, using milling as a tool for positive change.

How has the Technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition impacted your business?
The technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition has greatly benefited my business by providing access to expertise in flour fortification and industry best practices. This support has helped improve product quality, streamline processes, and ensure we meet the highest nutritional standards, ultimately strengthening our market position and enhancing consumer trust.

What advice do you have for other millers?
My advice for other millers is to embrace innovation and prioritize food fortification. By improving the nutritional content of your products, you not only contribute to public health but also differentiate your business in the market. Stay open to learning, adopt best practices, and seek collaborations, as these will help you grow and succeed in an evolving industry.