Tag Archive for: Millers for Nutrition

Miller in Spotlight – Mr. Cheran K, CEO – Kaleesuwari Refinery Pvt. Ltd.

Q. Kaleesuwari has been a household name for over five decades. What was the defining moment that led the company to transition from being a provider of ‘pure oil’ to becoming a champion of ‘fortified nutrition’ through initiatives like the Vita D3+ campaign?

For over five decades, Kaleesuwari built its reputation on purity and trust. However, as we engaged more deeply with consumers, nutrition experts, and public-health stakeholders, one reality became clear — India’s hidden hunger, especially Vitamin A and D deficiency, cannot be addressed by availability of food alone; it requires nutrient-enriched staples.
Edible oil is consumed daily across socio-economic segments and geographies. That makes it a powerful and scalable nutrition delivery vehicle. This insight became the defining moment for us. The Vita D initiative was therefore not just a product upgrade, but a purpose-led transition — from being a provider of pure oil to becoming a partner in preventive nutrition.
It aligns perfectly with our long-standing philosophy: what reaches the consumer’s kitchen must improve their wellbeing, not just meet a functional need.

Q. What is the biggest challenge Kaleesuwari has faced in EO fortification?


The most significant challenge has been balancing nutritional compliance with commercial and sensory expectations.
Fortification requires:
• highly precise micronutrient dosing
• stability across the product’s shelf life
• zero impact on taste, aroma, and appearance
At the same time, it must remain affordable for mass consumers.
In the early stages, creating process discipline, supplier alignment for premix quality, and real-time monitoring systems were critical. Today, the challenge has evolved into driving consumer awareness so that fortification is valued and not seen as just another label claim.

Q. With your rigorous ’80-point quality check’ process, how has Kaleesuwari integrated EO fortification into its manufacturing without compromising the taste and stability that consumers expect from brands like Gold Winner and Cardia?
Our 80-point quality check system was actually an enabler for seamless integration.
Fortification has been embedded at three levels:

Output assurance
• Retention sample testing for micronutrient stability across shelf life
• Sensory benchmarking against non-fortified control oils
This ensures that brands like Gold Winner and Cardia retain their same taste, lightness, and cooking performance, while delivering added nutrition — which is non-negotiable for us.

Input control
• Validation of certified premix suppliers
• Stability and compatibility testing with different oil matrices

Process control
• Automated and calibrated dosing systems
• Homogeneity validation at defined batch intervals
• In-line and post-blend sampling protocols

Q. How do your quality, operations, and procurement teams work together to ensure consistent standards and reliable supply to consumers?


Fortification success depends on synchronised execution across procurement, operations, and quality:
• Procurement ensures long-term partnerships with certified premix suppliers, dual sourcing strategies, and strict inbound quality protocols.
• Operations manages calibrated dosing, batch traceability, and process standardisation across plants.
• Quality drives validation, periodic audits, and regulatory compliance, including FSSAI fortification norms.
We operate through a closed-loop review system, where deviations — however small — trigger root-cause analysis and corrective action. This guarantees that the consumer gets the same nutritional assurance in every pack, every time.
Q. India faces a significant challenge with Vitamin A and D deficiencies. How does Kaleesuwari view its role as a miller in the ‘Millers for Nutrition’ coalition to help bridge this nutritional gap, especially for semi-urban and rural populations?
As a leading edible-oil miller, we believe our responsibility goes beyond manufacturing.
Through the Millers for Nutrition coalition, our focus is on:
• Making fortified oil accessible to semi-urban and rural households
• Supporting large-scale behaviour-change communication
• Partnering in institutional and public-distribution channels
• Sharing best practices in process, quality, and compliance
Because edible oil has near-universal penetration, millers like us can help bridge the micronutrient gap at population scale without requiring any change in food habits.

Q. In your experience, what is the biggest challenge in moving the needle on consumer awareness for fortified foods, and how are you tackling it?


The biggest challenge is that fortification is an invisible benefit.
Consumers can see purity and price — but they cannot see micronutrients.
Our approach has been to:
• Simplify communication through campaigns like Vita D
• Use on-pack education with the +F logo
• Drive doctor, nutritionist, and digital advocacy
• Position fortification as family wellness, not a technical feature
The shift we are working towards is from “oil that cooks well” to “oil that cares for your family’s health.”

Q. As our ‘Miller in Spotlight,’ how does Kaleesuwari envision the long-term roadmap for its fortification journey?


Our fortification roadmap is built on three pillars:

Nutrition leadership
• Continuous improvement in micronutrient stability
• Collaboration with policymakers and industry bodies
• Consumer education at scale


Our long-term vision is clear:
Every Kaleesuwari pack should not only deliver purity and performance, but also measurable nutritional value to the Indian consumer.

1. Universalisation
Ensuring fortification across our entire edible-oil portfolio so that nutrition is not a premium feature but a standard.

2. Accessibility
Taking fortified oils deeper into:
• rural markets
• value packs
• institutional channels

3. Nutrition leadership
• Continuous improvement in micronutrient stability
• Collaboration with policymakers and industry bodies
• Consumer education at scale

Our long-term vision is clear:
Every Kaleesuwari pack should not only deliver purity and performance, but also measurable nutritional value to the Indian consumer.

WCO adopts new global trade codes for nutrition products (HS 2028)



The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the HS 2028 amendments, effective 1 January 2028, introducing new global trade codes for key nutrition products relevant to food fortification.
These changes follow a formal amendment application by Swiss Customs, with technical support from Global Customs Compliance and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and were approved through the WCO’s Harmonized System Committee.

🔍 What’s changed?
• HS 2106.20 – A new subheading for premixes and nutrient mixtures used as industrial inputs for fortified foods and beverages
• HS 2107 – A new heading for dietary supplements as finished consumer products, clearly separated from industrial premixes
• Expanded and more detailed classifications for vitamins under HS 2936
📌 Important note:
HS 2028 does not change duty rates on its own. It improves product classification, enabling countries and regions to apply clearer, more consistent tariff treatment once adopted into national schedules.

⚙️ Why this matters for millers
✔ Reduced clearance delays and classification disputes
✔ Better identification of premix inputs versus finished supplements
✔ Stronger trade data to support informed policy and tariff discussions
✔ A clearer framework for authorities to differentiate inputs from consumer products

➡️ What’s next?
Millers for Nutrition is engaging with ECOWAS and national counterparts on:
• Integration of HS 2028 into the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) and national schedules
• Capacity-building for customs officials and brokers
• Alignment with ongoing food fortification policy efforts
We will continue to share updates as countries begin transposing HS 2028 ahead of 2028.

Fortification in Action: Advancing Nutrition through Innovation

A significant milestone in India’s journey to combat hidden hunger was marked with the launch of Sona Bharat by BMF Agri Pvt Ltd at its fully automated rice milling plant in Dubrajpur. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with an advanced blending system, was inaugurated on the same day—demonstrating how technology and nutrition can come together to deliver impact at scale.

The launch and accompanying plant visit offered a closer look at how fortified rice, enriched with essential micronutrients, can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale production processes while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and consistency. The facility stands as a strong example of how modern milling infrastructure can support national nutrition goals without disrupting efficiency or commercial viability.

Speaking at the occasion, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, emphasized the transformative potential of fortification: by enriching everyday staple foods like rice with vital nutrients, millers can play a pivotal role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies while contributing to healthier communities and long-term economic progress.

Initiatives such as this underscore the growing leadership of progressive millers in advancing nutrition security. They also reflect the broader vision of Millers for Nutrition—leveraging food fortification as a sustainable, market-led solution to improve public health outcomes across India.

As fortified staples move from mills to millions of plates, actions like these bring us closer to a future where better nutrition is built into everyday diets.

Empowering a Healthier Future through Wheat Flour Fortification

Strengthening the fight against hidden hunger begins with awareness—and leadership at the last mile. Reinforcing this belief, Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, in association with Hanumanta Foods, successfully hosted a Regional Workshop on Wheat Flour Fortification on 19 January 2026 in Durgapur, West Bengal.

The workshop focused on building awareness and strengthening retailer leadership around wheat flour fortification—recognizing retailers and distributors as critical influencers in driving informed consumer choices and expanding access to fortified staples.

The event was graced by Suneeti Toteja, Senior Director and Head, Food & Agriculture Department, Bureau of Indian Standards, as the Chief Guest, and Payel Maji, former Assistant Director (Technical), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India – Eastern Region, as the Guest of Honour. Both speakers underscored the critical role of food fortification in addressing micronutrient deficiencies and emphasized the importance of compliance, quality, and consumer trust in fortified foods.

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over 350 wheat flour distributors and retailers from across West Bengal. Through interactive sessions and practical insights, participants were sensitized to the health benefits of wheat flour fortification, regulatory standards, and their role in promoting fortified products within their communities.

At Millers for Nutrition, we remain committed to strengthening the food system by building awareness, fostering collaboration, and enabling market-led solutions that improve nutrition outcomes. By empowering retailers and distributors with knowledge and leadership, we move one step closer to ensuring that fortified wheat flour reaches millions of households.

Together, we can shape a healthier, more nourished future—one fortified meal at a time.

Millers for Nutrition Shines at Gulfood 2026

Millers for Nutrition Shines at Gulfood 2026

Millers for Nutrition made a strong and purposeful presence at Gulfood 2026 (January 26–30), one of the world’s largest food and beverage platforms, using the global stage to spotlight how fortified staples can drive both nutrition impact and commercial growth. Across five high-energy days, the pavilion became a hub for conversations around quality, scale, and global readiness—bringing the mission of fighting malnutrition into direct dialogue with international trade.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of our Champion Millers from across Asia, who engaged with global buyers, exporters, and distributors to explore new export pathways for fortified rice and wheat flour. These interactions translated the coalition’s nutrition mandate into tangible business opportunities, reinforcing confidence in fortified staples as competitive, market-ready products.

The visit of Dr. C. B. Singh, Deputy General Manager at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), further strengthened this narrative. His engagement underscored India’s growing leadership in the global fortified rice movement and highlighted the enabling role of policy and export ecosystems in scaling nutrition-forward solutions.

Adding a compelling experiential dimension, Celebrity Chef Dr. Rajeev Goyal hosted a live culinary showcase using fortified wheat flour, demonstrating that nutrition-enhanced products deliver on taste, versatility, and consumer appeal—without compromise.

By convening millers, policymakers, buyers, and technical experts under one roof, Millers for Nutrition used Gulfood 2026 as a true commercial catalyst. The event reaffirmed a powerful message: fortified foods are not only a public health imperative, but a viable, scalable, and globally competitive business opportunity for forward-looking millers.

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. 

Sector-Wide Training series in Indonesia on Rice Fortification

TechnoServe Indonesia, in partnership with Indonesia’s Rice Millers and Traders Association (PERPADI), successfully held three Sector-Wide Training (SWT) sessions on Rice Fortification.

These trainings took place in three cities—Yogyakarta, Malang, and Jakarta—over October and November 2025. The sessions covered technical materials on the production of fortified rice and fortified rice kernels (FRK), including premix, extrusion, blending processes, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

The training also highlighted the importance of rice fortification in Indonesia, existing regulations, and the business opportunities available to Indonesian millers.

Experts from Millers for Nutrition’s Strategic Fortification Partners (SFPs), including Buhler AG, dsm-firmenich, and Hexagon Nutrition, presented during the sessions. We also featured Indonesian fortified rice producers and FRK manufacturers who shared their experiences and challenges.

Over 100 millers participated in this training.

Empowering a Healthier Future through Wheat Flour Fortification!

Millers for Nutrition organized an Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on “Wheat Flour Fortification” in Valsad on November 20th, 2025 in association with NPB Agro Pvt. Ltd. and Valsad Rotary Rangers.

The seminar was graced by esteemed guests, including Dr. Rajkumar Dagadkhair (ARS), Joint Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, as the Chief Guest, and Padmashree Dr. Yazdi Italia, Ex. Hon. Director, Go-NGO Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program, Govt. of Gujarat, as the Guest of Honor. Dr. Nimisha Patel and Dr. Krunal Rana from Amit Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. also shared their valuable insights on the importance of food fortification.

Over 100 guests, including millers and retailers, attended the event, which aimed to build awareness about the benefits of wheat flour fortification. We are committed to working towards a healthier future for all and appreciate the support of our partners, speakers, and participants in making this event a success.

Key Highlights:

  • Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on Wheat Flour Fortification
  • Esteemed guests from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and healthcare sector
  • Over 100 attendees, including millers and retailers
  • Focus on building awareness about the importance of wheat flour fortification

Let’s work together towards a healthier future!

West Bengal Steps Up in the Fight Against Malnutrition as Millers for Nutrition and Industry Leaders Launch Five New Fortified Food Brands in Kolkata

Initiative brings together government, experts, and millers to strengthen nutrition security and expand access to fortified rice and wheat flour across the state

In a major step toward tackling malnutrition and hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, today brought together millers, nutrition experts, government officials, and industry leaders at Peerless Hotel, Esplanade, Kolkata for the launch of five new fortified food brands. In continuation of the series of national events themed “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Staple Foods” this event in Kolkata underscored how food fortification can significantly improve nutrition outcomes for families across the state.

Senior representatives from the Food and Civil Supplies Department – Government of West Bengal, FSSAI Eastern Region, and the Food Corporation of India attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, Millers for Nutrition, said, “Malnutrition remains one of India’s most urgent public health concerns. Fortified staple foods offer a simple, proven way to improve nutrition at scale. The launch of five fortified brands in West Bengal shows what is possible when millers, government, and partners come together with a shared mission. This collaboration is a meaningful step toward building a healthier and more nutrition-secure West Bengal.”

“Strengthening food processing capabilities is essential for scaling fortification effectively. Today’s progress in West Bengal shows how the food processing industry can lead the way in ensuring that safe, fortified, and high-quality foods reach every household,” added Dominic Schofield, Senior Director – Agri Food Systems, TechnoServe.

At the event, five fortified brands were officially introduced to consumers in West Bengal. KPS Agro Products launched its KPS Kitchen King Fortified Atta, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe and nutritious wheat flour. Gitakshi Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. introduced Gitakshi Fortified Rice, developed through modern milling practices and guided by the Agarwal family’s focus on quality and nutrition. Jasmine Rice Mill unveiled KPS Kitchen King Fortified Rice, highlighting its efforts to improve access to healthier rice for local households. Hanumanta Food Products Pvt. Ltd. launched Hanumanta Fortified Atta, expanding its existing range of Atta, Maida, Sooji, and Pasta. Bagaria Foods LLP presented fortified Atta offerings under its well-known Royal brand, giving consumers more nutritious options in their daily food choices.

These launches are expected to play a vital role in addressing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, which have remained persistent challenges in the state, especially among women and children. The discussions held during the event also highlighted how fortified foods can strengthen school meal programs, public distribution systems, and the commercial retail market.

As West Bengal advances its fight against hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting millers with technical assistance, training, and market guidance to make fortified foods a mainstream reality for every household.

Training for Fortified Rice Blending Millers on QC, QA and SOP for Production of Fortified Rice.

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Collaboration of Millers for Nutrition Coalition (powered by TechnoServe), Nutrition International and World Food Programme successfully organized a two-days training program on Production, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Rice Fortification. The training, held in two batches; 1st batch on 22–23 November 2025 and 2nd batch on 24-25 November 2025 at BRAC CDM, Savar, Dhaka, brought together fortified rice blending millers from across the country. A total of 140 fortified rice blending mill owners & representatives participated in the program.

The primary objective of the program was to enhance the capacity and technical skills of blending millers in rice fortification production, quality control, quality assurance, and adherence to SOPs, thereby supporting the efficient and consistent production and distribution of fortified rice under the Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP) run by the Government of Bangladesh.

Expert resource persons from TechnoServe, World Food Programme (WFP), Nutrition International (NI), Bühler, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), and Department of Women Affairs (DWA) facilitated training sessions.

A brief inaugural session was held on the first day, with the Chief Guest Mr. Md. Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir, Director General of Directorate General of Food (DG Food). Md. Firoz Uddin Khalifa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Maribeth Black, Deputy Head of Program, WFP; and Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud Niaz, President, Bangladesh Fortified Rice Millers Association (BFRMA), were present as Special Guests.

Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager, TechnoServe; Dr. Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, Senior Programme Policy Officer, WFP; and Md. Akib Abrar, Program Officer, Nutrition International (NI), Bangladesh, delivered welcome remarks.

All speakers highlighted the critical importance of robust Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) practices in fortified rice blending to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality fortified rice under the Social Safety Net Programmes (SSNP) of the Government of Bangladesh.

Mr. Md Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), attended as Chief Guest, he emphasized the important role played by Fortified Rice Blending Millers for supporting Government on production and distribution of fortified rice maintaining the quality and ensuring food safety. He commended TechnoServe, NI and WFP’s continued efforts in strengthening Bangladesh’s food fortification ecosystem.

Following the opening ceremony, participants engaged in a series of thematic modules, including classroom lectures, technical presentations, practical demonstrations, group discussions, Q&A sessions, and hands-on exercises focused on monitoring and inspection of fortified rice. Technical experts from TechnoServe, WFP, Bühler and NI led the sessions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the training curriculum.

The event concluded with strong commitments from TechnoServe, WFP and NI to continue supporting the wider expansion and acceleration of the rice fortification program. Participating millers also shared practical recommendations aimed at further strengthening program implementation at the field level.

Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager, TechnoServe; Dr. Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, Senior Programme Policy Officer, WFP; and Md. Akib Abrar, Program Officer, Nutrition International (NI), Bangladesh, also delivered their concluding remarks, expressing appreciation for the active participation and cooperation of all attendees.

In closing session of the last day, Md. Jamal Hossain, Additional Director General, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to rice fortification program and expected fortified rice blending millers’ strong commitment to production and distribution of good quality fortified rice in the rice fortification program. Extended thanks to the participants, stakeholders, and development partners for their contributions and support to the training program before formally declaring the event closed.

The event concluded with commitments from TechnoServe, WFP, NI, to continue supporting blending millers in producing good quality fortified rice in SSNPs.