Tag Archive for: Millers for Nutrition

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.

Dhaka Tribune – ACI Pure Flour launches ‘Fortified Atta’

February 16, 2025

https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/business/373868/aci-pure-flour-launches-%E2%80%98fortified-atta%E2%80%99

The Business Standard – ACI Pure Flour launches fortified flour enriched with 10 vitamins, minerals

February 18, 2025

https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/aci-pure-flour-launches-fortified-atta-10-vitamins-and-minerals-1070296

The Daily Star – ACI Pure Flour launches fortified flour enriched with 10 vitamins, minerals

Tuesday, Feb 18

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/aci-pure-flour-launches-fortified-flour-enriched-10-vitamins-minerals-3826551

Millers for Nutrition Senior Communications Specialist, Edward Ahonobadha during a session.

Stakeholders Unite to Develop Food Fortification Communication Campaign

In a pivotal move to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies, Millers for Nutrition is partnering with key stakeholders in Kenya and Tanzania to roll out innovative food fortification campaigns. In Kenya, where the Ministry of Health and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) lead the initiative, Millers for Nutrition recently attended a communications workshop that included government officials, nutrition experts, and industry leaders.

Similarly, in Tanzania, Millers for Nutrition and GAIN are working together to integrate communications professionals with technical experts, ensuring effective messaging to support national fortification strategies.

This collaborative approach underscores the critical role of stakeholder engagement in scaling food fortification efforts with millers playing a pivotal part in improving public health outcomes through the fortification of staple foods like maize flour, wheat flour, and edible oils.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of people, limiting their potential for growth and development. Food fortification is an efficient and cost-effective solution that offers national populations access to a nutritious diet through staple foods already being consumed. By enhancing the quality of foods, millers play a direct role in improving health outcomes and supporting national development goals.

The workshop in Nairobi brought together a diverse range of government and fortification stakeholders to deliberate how best to roll out a national fortification campaign that would be effective in communicating the benefits of consuming adequately fortified foods. County health officials shared insights from local communities, while Ministry of Health representatives outlined how stakeholders can align efforts with national health priorities and policies. 

“Communications expertise is essential to translating complex technical information into clear, actionable messages,” said Dr. Brenda Obura, head of food safety at Kenya’s Ministry of Health. “When we get the messaging right, we can effectively drive behavior change and improve health outcomes. This is particularly true for food fortification, where public understanding and acceptance are crucial to success.”

Following the workshop is a process to test campaign content with diverse audiences. Millers for Nutrition will support the effort by reviewing communication materials and participating in campaign planning. 

SVHG Agri Foods: A Story of Growth and Improvement

At the forefront of India’s food industry, SVHG Agri Solutions has experienced a transformative impact since partnering with Millers for Nutrition. According to miller Harshrav Shukla, this collaboration has far-reaching benefits, extending beyond technical assistance to encompass significant enhancements in operational efficiency, product quality, and strategic networking.

This multifaceted impact has positioned the company for sustainable growth, empowering them to better serve their customers while staying ahead in the competitive food landscape. SVHG Agri Solutions credits Millers for Nutrition for helping pinpoint technical deficiencies, particularly in dosing and flow rate of fortificants. For example, when a screw broke, which seemed like a small problem but caused quality issues during the mixing of fortificants, Abhishek Shukla, country program manager at Millers for Nutrition India, and his team were quick to offer support and connect SVHG with experts.

This collaboration enhanced the company’s understanding of best practices and expanded the organization’s professional network. Abhishek introduced the team to other fortified rice kernels  producers who practice good manufacturing principles. The connections opened new horizons for SVHG Agri Solutions, enabling them to benchmark their processes against industry leaders and adopt advanced quality control measures. The company is now better positioned to improve business efficiencies.

Harshrav said Millers for Nutrition also helped identify opportunities to  reduce production costs. Additionally, the insights they gained influenced their approach to customer service, enabling SVHG to better serve customers and respond to their needs effectively. The collaboration has also fostered a culture of learning and improvement among the staff, boosting their performance and engagement.

As SVHG Agri Solutions continues to grow, Harshrav anticipates that future enhancements will positively impact its production capacity and product quality. And with Abhishek and his team available for support, they feel confident in their ability to troubleshoot challenges and resolve issues.

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.

Strategic Fortification Partner Spotlight: dsm-firmenich

Strategic Fortification Partner Spotlight: dsm-firmenich

Strategic Fortification Partner Spotlight: dsm-firmenich
Strategic Fortification Partner Spotlight: dsm-firmenich

In a recent chat with Sridhar NB, dsm-firmenich’s Senior Business Development Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Health, Nutrition & Care, he shared his commitment to addressing global nutrition challenges through food fortification. Driven by the reality that many people struggle to access even one nutritious meal a day, Shridhar finds fulfillment in developing sustainable fortification solutions. His work with rice millers has been particularly impactful, helping them transform a commodity product into a vehicle for better nutrition.

What inspired you to join the food fortification journey?

Knowing that people are struggling, being part of the food fortification journey brings me immense satisfaction and fulfillment. In today’s world, accessing a single nutritious meal daily has become a challenge. Staple food fortification is a cost-effective intervention that ensures essential vitamins and minerals reach consumers daily. The technology and methods required for staple food fortification are well-established and accessible globally. Our goal is to develop sustainable, win-win business models for fortifying staple foods.

What is the most memorable feedback you have received from a miller you have trained or worked with?

In the rice fortification space, rice is often viewed as a commodity product. However, rice millers are increasingly interested in fortifying rice not only to provide essential micronutrients to consumers but also to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Globally, millers often require guidance and support to implement fortification effectively. One memorable feedback I received was from a miller who, after successfully launching and implementing fortified rice, expressed interest in innovating further by incorporating flavor, protein and fibre. This enthusiasm for continuous improvement and innovation was truly encouraging feedback.

What success story from the field has stayed with you?

One success story that motivates me is the global progress in staple food fortification. A key indicator of this success is the increasing amount of fortified rice, which is growing rapidly. Notably, Asia has seen rapid implementation, while Africa is also making significant strides. Witnessing the expansion of fortification efforts across geographies inspires me to continue supporting this vital work.

What unique value did you find being a part of Millers for Nutrition?

As part of Millers for Nutrition, I have found that our unique value lies in sharing technical knowledge to ensure high-quality fortification across the entire value chain. We achieve this through various training methods, including on-the-job training, classroom sessions, etc.

A Bold Step Toward Better Nutrition in Ethiopia

Millers for Nutrition  Ethiopia was officially launched December 2024, heralding a significant step in combating malnutrition across the nation. The event comes at a critical time, aligning seamlessly with Ethiopia’s National Food Fortification Program which was introduced in August 2024 mandating the fortification of wheat flour, edible oil, and salt to combat pervasive nutrient deficiencies.

Millers for Nutrition places food processors at the forefront of fortification efforts, recognizing their vital role in improving public health. “Millers for Nutrition is proud to align with the Ethiopian government’s vision for food fortification. By placing the food processing sector at the heart of this initiative, we recognize the vital role they play in ensuring that fortified foods reach Ethiopian households. Together, we aim to provide practical support and foster partnerships that make fortification a seamless, impactful, and sustainable part of your work,” said Rizwuan Yusufali, Director of the initiative.

Millers often face challenges including increasing food prices, the rising cost of fortification, and competition from imports. “Fortification comes with its challenges, but we are here to provide practical support and real solutions to ensure fortified foods are not only the norm but also accessible to all Ethiopians,” Yusufali stressed.

To address these hurdles, Millers for Nutrition facilitates industry-specific training, encourages public-private collaborations, and supports affordable production of fortified foods by improving the capacities and business practices of wheat and maize millers, and edible oil processors.

By combining robust government support, industry partnerships, and innovative strategies, Millers for Nutrition aims to transform Ethiopia’s nutritional landscape by ensuring that millions of Ethiopians have access to adequately fortified staple foods. 

With an ambitious global goal of improving nutrition for 1 billion people by 2026, the program is poised to make fortified foods a staple in Ethiopian households, building a healthier and more prosperous future.

Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and enhancing business sustainability. The coalition is powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining the coalition can learn more at millersfornutrition.com.

Millers for Nutrition Participates in Market Linkages Forum – Enabling Last Mile Distribution

Millers for Nutrition Kenya members were recently invited to participate in TechnoServe’s Market Linkages Forum. The event offered millers opportunities to engage with key stakeholders in the food distribution sector and address challenges linked to last mile distribution. 

Technoserve, through its Implementing Inclusive Growth Strategies (IIGS) program and Millers for Nutrition organized the inaugural event bringing together key players from Kenya’s food system to address the critical challenge of providing nutritious foods to every Kenyan, regardless of location or income.

“Our shared goal is to ensure fortified, nutritious food is accessible to all, not just a few,” said Kris Ansin, TechnoServe Country Director. “Together, we are building a more inclusive, efficient, and equitable food distribution network.” 

Achieving this goal requires strategic partnerships.“Collaboration across the value chain helps us solve challenges like logistics, storage, and quality control,” said  Joyce Njogu, Head of Consulting and Business Development at Kenya Association of Manufacturers. “Together, we can enhance efficiency and ensure products reach consumers in time and at a competitive price.”

The conversation also shifted toward technology, which plays a critical role in expanding access to markets.  “Technology platforms are becoming game-changers, giving small- and medium-sized enterprises easier entry into markets and helping them build their brands, ensuring they remain competitive,” said Elizabeth Cushny, Technoserve Senior Program Manager for East Africa. Support for the event was provided by Visa Foundation and Gates Foundation.