The Millers for Nutrition initiative, a coalition of key stakeholders in food fortification, has been officially launched in Bangladesh, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to combat malnutrition. The launch event, held in Dhaka alongside the BAPA Food Pro Expo 2025, brought together industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the critical role of fortified foods in improving public health. As part of the event, Champion Millers were recognized for their contributions and progress in fortifying essential food products.
Fortification is the practice of deliberately adding micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to commonly consumed food to improve its nutritional quality, thereby improving the health status of national populations. The Millers for Nutrition coalition supports millers in eight countries across Africa and Asia, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania.
Over 3 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. The effects of malnutrition casts economic, social and developmental burdens on individuals, communities and countries: the impact stunts economic growth, strains healthcare systems, and results in significant productivity losses due to workers' illness. Food fortification is an efficient and cost-effective solution that offers national populations access to a nutritious diet through staple foods already being consumed.
The coalition’s innovative approach connects miller members to industry experts, suppliers, social enterprises, and other solution providers to access best in class technical assistance and other business advisory services. The support from partners not only improves the nutritional value of staple foods but also drives business value and competitiveness. Additionally, champion millers can gain access to market opportunities and are recognized and celebrated for their fortification achievements through visibility in high-profile events and media.
"We are thrilled to introduce Millers for Nutrition in Bangladesh," said Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader TechnoServe & Program Leader (Asia)-IGNITE. “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”.
Industry leaders in attendance included 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. They were joined by the honorable chief guest, Mr. S. M. Ferdous Alam, Director General of the Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI), and keynote presenter Dr. Md. Taherul Islam Khan, Director of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC).
“The importance of food fortification in improving public health and joining Millers for Coalition will help to strengthen “South-South Collaboration” amongst the Millers of Asia and Africa and will be mutually beneficial to all” said the Chief Guest Mr. S M Ferdous Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI). Dr. Md. Taherul Islam Khan, Director of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council, delivered a keynote address highlighting Bangladesh's nutritional landscape and the crucial role of fortified foods in enhancing the country's nutrition profile. He emphasized the importance of Millers for Nutrition's support, which provides millers with technical training, product testing, and business guidance to improve the nutritional quality of their products.
During the event, Champion Millers were recognized for progress in fortifying food products and demonstrating a commitment to improving nutritional quality.
- Industry Ambassador of Food Fortification and Nutrition: Faria Yasmin - Chief Business Officer, ACI Foods Ltd
- Voice of Fortification Excellence: Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud - President, BFRMA
- Woman Leader in Food Fortification and Nutrition: Dr. Naznin Afroz - Chairman, NK Foods and Proprietor, Imperia Foods
- Champion Mill of Fortification and Nutrition: Ruposhi Flour, Rice & Pushti Mills Limited
- Fortification Leadership Award: ACI Foods Ltd.
- Fortification Leadership Award: Meghna Group of Industries
- Fortification Leadership Award: Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd
- Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Wheat Flour): IFAD Multi Products Ltd
- Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice): Jahan Food & Agro Pvt. Ltd.
- Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice): Bondhan Agro Food Industries
- FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award: United Fortification Industries
- FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award: Kamal Auto Rice Mill
- FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award: Nourish Foods Ltd
Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe and is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners - BASF, Buhler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin, BioAnalyt; Regional Fortification Partners Hexagon Nutrition Ltd, Piramal Nutrition Solutions, Sanku, and a growing group of regional and local partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence that ultimately benefits the society while enhancing business sustainability. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining this initiative can learn more at millersfornutrition.com.