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

December 2024 Miller of Month: Veerabhadra Boddu, West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), Nigeria

Food vehicle: Soybean oil

December’s Miller of the Month Veerabhadra Boddu, head of quality for West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), talks about the company’s commitment to fortification and experience with Millers for Nutrition.

Why did you join Millers for Nutrition?

WASIL is a manufacturer of Golden Terra Soya Oil and we are proud members of Millers for Nutrition because of our commitment to food fortification and our compliance with regulatory standards. Joining Millers for Nutrition as food producers and complying with this regulation is a value-added advantage to our company because we get all the support that we need to follow mandatory regulatory requirements and also commit to the all round availability of vitamin A in our products.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

WASIL is very committed to food fortification as it’s a regulatory compliance and to do that, we test each and every batch of oil that leaves our factory with the use of a sophisticated equipment called i-Chroma check 3 to ensure that each oil produced and sold meets the minimum requirement of 20,000iu/kg.

What’s your proudest achievement?
Our proudest achievement is that we are part of the fastest growing company in 2022, also in 2024, we were awarded an Excellence award at GLOBOIL 2024. Additionally, WASIL’s Managing Director, Mr. Ipsit Charabarti was named GLOBOIL International Professional Of 2024 for his Excellent Leadership and dedication. Lastly, 2024 Statista and Financial Times recognized WASIL two times as the fastest growing organization in Africa.

How are you involved in your community?

WASIL is located at Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria and we collaborate with regulatory bodies such NAFDAC, NESREA, SON, FCCPC etc. and international regulatory bodies by following all regulations both in the international and local communities to ensure that the food we sell is fortified and safe for the people of the community who are the end users. We are also involved in many community development projects like constructing drainage, ensuring water is treated before sending out our waste water. We also give various services such as training soya farmers and women in shea nut. We are involved in the continuous development of our staff by impacting knowledge through various training as it is required for different skill development.

What would you tell other millers about joining Millers for Nutrition?
Join Millers for Nutrition to gain knowledge and get the support that will give you an advantage over other brands. Millers for Nutrition offer millers various platforms that will help your brand to be known and it will help you to know where you are standing in compliance in comparison with other brands, so as to make improvements and be committed to get to the top.

November 2024 Miller of the Month: Rahat Agarwal, Fort Fit Foods Pvt. Ltd. of India

Bio Analyt Founder Florian Schweigert (left) presents an award to Rahat Agarwal.

November 2024 Miller of Month: Rahat Agarwal, Director, Fort Fit Foods Pvt. Ltd., India

Winner: Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice) at the Champions of Food Fortification and Nutrition Awards by Millers for Nutrition

What motivated you to join the Millers for Nutrition Coalition?

My motivation to join the Millers for Nutrition coalition stemmed from a deep understanding of the challenges facing our sector. As a developing industry, we are at a pivotal moment where collaboration and support are crucial for navigating the complexities of food fortification. The coalition stands out as a unique platform that genuinely advocates for millers, addressing our concerns and recognizing our essential role in the supply chain. The opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and share insights has been invaluable. Upon learning about the coalition’s initiatives, I felt an intrinsic motivation to contribute and be part of a community that prioritizes collective wellbeing and the nutritional health of families.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

Our commitment to food fortification was ignited in 2020 when we established this vital wing of our company. We encountered alarming data highlighting the prevalence of malnutrition both globally and in India, which was profoundly concerning. The implications of failing to address these nutritional deficiencies are significant, particularly for future generations. We believe that nutrition is foundational to a sustainable and thriving society. Fortification not only addresses immediate health needs but also serves as a strategic response to challenges such as crop failures exacerbated by climate change. At FORT-FIT FOODS, we are resolutely dedicated to advancing fortification efforts, recognizing it as a critical pathway to ensuring the nutritional wellbeing of communities.

How has the technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition impacted your business?

The technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition has had a transformative impact on our operations. We have successfully facilitated several technology transfers that have enhanced our production capabilities. Additionally, engaging with industry experts has provided us with invaluable insights and strategies to optimize our factory operations. This collaboration has not only improved our efficiency but has also fostered a culture of innovation within our team. Overall, the support from Millers for Nutrition has been instrumental in driving our growth and commitment to excellence in food fortification.

What advice do you have for other millers?

My advice to fellow millers is to view our industry not as a competitive race but as a collaborative marathon. Each of us operates at our own pace, but together, we can reach common goals. Embrace the importance of knowledge sharing; do not hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance when faced with challenges. The insights gained from others can be a catalyst for growth and improvement. Remember, the only questions that go unanswered are the ones we do not ask. By fostering an environment of openness and collaboration, we can collectively elevate our industry and make a lasting impact on food fortification.

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October 2024 Miller of Month: Mombasa Maize Millers (Nakuru) Limited, Kenya

October 2024 Miller of Month: Mombasa Maize Millers (Nakuru) Limited, Kenya

Food vehicle: Wheat Flour

Winner: Kenya Millers Fortification Index
4PG Award – Evidence Parity Award

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Ezinah Bosibori Aroni, quality control officer at Mombasa, talks about the company’s commitment to fortification and experience with Millers for Nutrition.

Why are you a member of M4N?
We joined Millers for Nutrition to learn food fortification standards and practices.
The technical assistance and support have been valuable in improving our operations.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification
Our commitment is closely aligned with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
compliance requirements. This dedication to quality and nutrition reinforces our position as a responsible miller within the Kenyan milling sector. We’re constantly working to enhance our fortification processes to ensure we deliver adequately fortified and nutritious products to our customers.

Ezinah Bosibori Aroni, quality control officer at Mombasa Maize Millers

How did the Millers for Nutrition training impact your business?
We recently participated in comprehensive training programs supported by Millers for Nutrition, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). These trainings have significantly impacted and improved our company operations and practices in several ways namely:

– We’ve developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have streamlined our
workflows, enhancing efficiency and clarity in roles and responsibilities.

– Our company has been recognized by the Nakuru County Health and Safety Department as a benchmark for GMP – safety and health standards.

– We’ve strengthened our rapport with customers by developing robust product recall
procedures, ensuring trust and reliability in our products.

What advice do you have for other millers?
I encourage millers to join the coalition and take advantage of training programs. The knowledge gained from these programs can significantly improve operations, food safety standards, and overall product quality. Additionally, implementing SOPs and working towards certifications like ISO can set them apart in the market and build customer trust.