Millers for Nutrition launches in Bangladesh to strengthen food fortification efforts

BANGLADESH – Millers for Nutrition, a global coalition dedicated to enhancing food fortification, has officially launched in Bangladesh during the BAPA FoodPro International Expo 2025, held from February 25 to 27, in Dhaka.

The initiative aims to support local millers in fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour, edible oil, and rice with essential micronutrients, addressing the persistent issue of malnutrition that affects over three billion people worldwide.

The initiative is powered by TechnoServe and supported by leading global and regional partners such as BASF, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin, BioAnalyt, Hexagon Nutrition Ltd, Piramal Nutrition Solutions, and Sanku.

These organizations are committed to strengthening food processing practices, ensuring that fortified foods meet high-quality standards, and promoting business sustainability.

The launch event brought together key industry leaders, including Faria Yasmin, Chief Business Officer of ACI Foods Ltd; Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Fortified Rice Mill Association; Dr. Naznin Afroz, Chairman of NK Foods and Proprietor of Imperia Foods; and Mir Shahe Alam, Chairman of Ruposhi Flour, Rice, and Pushti Mills Ltd.

Mr. S.M. Ferdous Alam, Director General of the Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI), officiated the event, and Dr. Md. Taherul Islam Khan, Director of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC), delivered the keynote address.

During his address, Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Leader (Asia) for IGNITE, emphasized the transformative potential of food fortification.

“We are thrilled to introduce Millers for Nutrition in Bangladesh. We want to unite passionate stakeholders to support Bangladesh’s millers and food processors in achieving fortification excellence and driving meaningful change in the battle against malnutrition. Together, we can transform the future of nutrition in Bangladesh,” he said.

Mr. S.M. Ferdous Alam, the Director General of BSTI, highlighted the importance of the coalition’s work in fostering collaboration between millers in Asia and Africa.

“The importance of food fortification in improving public health and joining Millers for Nutrition will help to strengthen ‘South-South Collaboration’ amongst the millers of Asia and Africa and will be mutually beneficial to all,” he noted.

Millers for Nutrition operates across eight countries in Africa and Asia, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

The coalition works closely with millers in these regions, providing them with the necessary technical expertise, business advisory support, and access to high-quality fortification solutions.

By collaborating with industry experts, suppliers, and social enterprises, the initiative ensures that staple foods are enriched with vital micronutrients, ultimately improving public health and boosting the competitiveness of millers in the industry.

Recognizing leaders in nutrition, milling excellence

The event also recognized several industry leaders and organizations for their contributions to food fortification and nutritional improvement.

Notable figures such as Faria Yasmin of ACI Foods Ltd, Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud of the Bangladesh Fortified Rice Mill Association, and Dr. Naznin Afroz of NK Foods received awards for their leadership and commitment to fortification excellence.

Companies including Ruposhi Flour, Rice & Pushti Mills Ltd, ACI Foods Ltd, Meghna Group of Industries, and Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd were also honored for their dedication to fortification initiatives.

Rising millers such as IFAD Multi Products Ltd, Jahan Food & Agro Pvt. Ltd., and Bondhan Agro Food Industries were acknowledged for their efforts in enhancing the nutritional quality of staple foods.

With the launch of Millers for Nutrition in Bangladesh, the coalition takes a significant step forward in the global fight against malnutrition.

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