https://millermagazine.com/blog/millers-for-nutrition-initiative-launched-in-india-to-combat-malnutrition-5857
Miller Magazine, 24th September
Miller Magazine, 24th September

We are thrilled to announce East Coast Fats and Oil Ltd, in Tanzania , recently joined Millers for Nutrition. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing quality assurance in vitamin A fortification.
Recently, East Coast Fats and Oils and Millers for Nutrition sampled the vitamin A premix for quality testing – a significant step in addressing fortification challenges. The data obtained from these tests will play a crucial role in refining the fortification processes, ensuring that products comply with both national and international nutrition standards. Millers for Nutrition is dedicated to supporting millers in their effort to improve nutrition for Tanzanians. We invite all millers to join. Learn more at www.millersfornutrition.com
Recently, Millers for Nutrition met with Bakhresa, Tanzania’s leading wheat flour miller to develop a comprehensive quality assurance training program. The initiative will set new standards for fortified flour production across the country.
Bakhresa is a market leader in Tanzania holding a large market share in Tanzania mainland and is a key partner in this quality-focused initiative. With three plants in Dar es Salaam producing a combined 3,250 metric tons per day.
“Quality assurance is the cornerstone of effective fortification,” says Ndili, the Millers for Nutrition Program Manager and Country Representative in Tanzania. “By prioritizing this aspect with Bakhresa, we’re laying the groundwork for a more robust and reliable fortification process throughout Tanzania.”
To address Bakhresa’s specific needs and challenges, Millers for Nutrition is developing a customized curriculum. This approach will ensure that the training is not only comprehensive but also directly applicable to Bakhresa’s day-to-day operations, maximizing its impact on the quality of their fortified flour production.
“This training program is a game-changer,” Ndili explains. “By emphasizing the importance of food quality at every step of the milling process, we’re ensuring that fortification becomes an integral part of production.”
“At Bakhresa, our commitment to excellence drives us forward, and partnering with Millers for Nutrition enhances our mission to elevate quality standards,” asserts Iddi Mvungi, Compliance Manager at Bakhresa.
The collaboration is an opportunity to create a training module that can be expanded l to other millers across Tanzania.”The enthusiasm and commitment we’ve seen from Bakhresa in prioritizing quality assurance is inspiring,” Ndili remarks. “We look forward to working with other millers to address the challenges that they face in their fortification so that they are able to produce adequately fortified food products in Tanzania.
“Our steadfast dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards is at the heart of everything we do at Bakhresa. This collaboration with Millers for Nutrition aims to further this,” – Iddi Mvungi.
“We are glad to be part of Millers for Nutrition, offering solutions such as iCheck Flour and iCheck Iron to support companies like Bakhresa in strengthening their fortification workflows,” says Dr. Santiago Andrade, Strategic Product Manager at Bioanalyt. “Our collaboration underscores the importance of working together to improve nutrition standards across Tanzania. With more than a decade of expertise in the fortification ecosystem, we aim to help millers enhance their quality assurance processes, ensuring that fortified products consistently meet the highest nutritional standards.”
The highly anticipated launch of Millers for Nutrition Coalition in India, powered by TechnoServe, has finally taken place at Mumbai’s Westin Hotel, garnering significant attention from the miller community, development sector, industry associations, and prominent industry leaders. The event commenced with an introduction to Millers for Nutrition by Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, Millers For Nutrition, followed by a keynote address from Shri Bharatarsabha Dasa, President of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
A pivotal moment during the event was the signing of a partnership agreement between TechnoServe and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the coalition’s journey.
A panel discussion on “Fortifying India’s Future: Industry-led solutions for Staple Food Fortification” brought together industry stalwarts, including: Mr. Angshu Mallick, MD & CEO, Adani Wilmar, Mr. Mahesh Shah – Head Business Development Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Cheran K, CEO, Kaleesuwari Refinery Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Somnath Chatterjee, Executive Vice President , ITC (Foods Division) and facilitated a rich exchange of insights and expertise. Dr. Rajan Sankar, Senior Advisor, TechnoServe, moderated this session.
The Champions of Food Fortification and Nutrition Awards were announced, celebrating the millers and brands driving positive change in India’s nutrition landscape!
· Ambassador of Food Fortification and Nutrition – Sanjeev Asthana, CEO Patanjali Foods.
· Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice) – Ritesh Jain, AJ Industries
· Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice) – Rahat Agarwal, Fort Fit Foods Ltd.
· Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Wheat Flour) – Ritik Patel, Shivam Flour Industries Pvt Ltd
· Woman Leader in Food Fortification and Nutrition – Suman Gupta – Creative Nutrition
· Fortification Leadership Award (Oil) – Kaleesuwari Refinery Pvt. Ltd.
· Fortification Leadership Award (Rice) – LT Foods Pvt. Ltd.
· Oil Fortification Quality Leap Award – Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd.
· FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award – JVS Foods Pvt. Ltd.
· FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award – Sudeep Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
· Champion Mill of Fortification and Nutrition – Adani Wilmar Limited.
Industry associations who are supporting the coalition in advancing towards their mission of reaching 1 billion people with better nutrition by the year 2026 were also felicitated.

Millers for Nutrition (M4N) in Ethiopia recently conducted a successful Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) training session at the Wakene Food Complex in Sheger City, Oromia. This was aimed at enhancing food safety and quality standards including production, sanitation, quality control, and maintenance.
This training’s goal was to instill a robust food safety culture by improving essential practices such as appropriate manufacturing and hygienic practices. Additionally, the session focused on improving food product quality control, equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high standards within their operations.
To foster collaboration and deeper understanding, interactive group discussions were facilitated during and after the training allowing room for feedback and clarifications. The session concluded with a summary of the program and outlined the next steps for continued collaboration.
This initiative not only supported the Wakene Food Complex in achieving its goals but also strengthened M4N partnership and collaboration focussing on tailored technical assistance efforts.

Millers for Nutrition Ethiopia recently attended the Ethiopian Edible Oil Manufacturing Industry Association’s (EEOMIA) annual assembly in Addis Ababa. The annual meeting provides a platform for networking and collaboration among industry members and relevant stakeholders including strategic fortification partners and government officials. Additionally, Technoserve was recognized for its support to the industry and its members.
The assembly addressed challenges faced by the edible oil industry, including shortage of raw materials, which impacts production capabilities. Members highlighted the difficulty in competing with imported finished edible oil due to favorable tax policies for imports, which puts local producers at a disadvantage.
The fortification mandate also remains a critical topic. The association will collaborate with development partners M4N/TNS and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to support processors in meeting the requirements.
“The industry is very strong and committed to serving the community with nutritious products,” said Eyakem Amsalu Negussie, Ethiopia program manager. “The Millers for Nutrition coalition supports that commitment by connecting millers to world class fortification experts to gain free technical assistance and specialized training on industry best practices.”
The Ethiopian government is also actively working to enhance the edible oil sector. The Ministry of Agriculture has ambitious plans to double domestic oil production within the next two years, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and achieve self-sufficiency. However, this goal is heavily dependent on addressing several critical issues, including market linkages, forex availability, and fair competition.