ATNi’s first-ever VitaMin Premix Suplier Assessment reveals both progress and major gaps in the global fortification value chain. While leading producers show commitment, most lack transparency and structured support for millers. In an exclusive interview with Miller Magazine, ATNi experts underline the urgent need for accountability, stronger policies, and collaboration to ensure fortified flour reaches those who need it most.

Fortification plays a key role in improving nutrition outcomes for billions of individuals around the world, every day. While 143 countries have fortification standards for at least one staple food, compliance remains low due to limited access to quality fortifcants (micronutrients and premixes) and insufficient technical capacity to adequately fortify. Fortificant producers have a key opportunity to strengthen the fortification value chain—not only through their products, but by supporting effective fortification practices across the entire ecosystem.

ATNi’s (Access to Nutrition Initiative) first-ever VitaMin Premix Supplier Assessment, a comprehensive evaluation of 11 of the world’s largest fortificant producers, sheds light on how these critical business-to-business actors influence the effectiveness of large-scale food fortification (LSFF) and calls for greater alignment, transparency, and accountability across the value chain.

The findings and their implications were discussed in an exclusive online interview with ATNi's Katherine Pittore (Head of Policy & Communications,), Nadine Nasser (Research Lead, VitaMin) and Marina Plyta (Partnerships Manager & VitaMin Assessment Lead).

Nadine Nasser

For years, nutrition assessments have focused on food manufacturers that use premix to fortify staples. ATNi’s new study instead looked upstream, at the suppliers themselves. “We realized that challenges often start with the quality of the premix delivered,” explained Nadine Nasser. “That’s why we wanted to examine not just whether suppliers produce quality products, but also how they support proper storage, handling, and use — particularly by small-scale millers who often lack technical capacity.”

The assessment revealed that while some companies, such as dsm-firmenich and Hexagon, have embedded nutrition into their strategies, most lack structured disclosure and measurable frameworks. 

Marina Plyta

The report features case studies on India and Kenya, chosen to highlight two very different contexts. “Kenya relies entirely on imports, facing affordability and technical challenges,” noted Marina Plyta. “India, by contrast, has strong local production and even exports, but millers there often call for clearer standards and monitoring.” Both cases underscore the critical role of millers in reaching vulnerable populations with fortified staples. Yet affordability, technical capacity, and regulatory clarity remain persistent barriers.

THE ROLE OF MILLERS AND THE SUPPORT THEY NEED

Smaller flour millers are often the “weak link” in fortification, as they struggle with equipment, training, and cost burdens. Here, suppliers can play a stronger role. “Premix producers have the resources to support smaller millers,” said Nasser. “But governments also need to step in with clear guidance, fair standards, and tax reforms to create a level playing field.”

Policy also matters. Katherine Pittore emphasized that fiscal measures could be transformative: “Removing import tariffs on premixes, particularly in Africa, would reduce costs and expand access. But clarity in product classification is just as important, because misclassification often leads to unnecessary charges.”

TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF FORTIFICATION

The discussion also touched on innovation. New microdosing systems can add vitamins and minerals with single-gram accuracy, but affordability remains a challenge. “Large mills can invest in advanced equipment and quality control. Small mills cannot — yet they serve the populations most at risk of malnutrition,” noted Plyta. 

The panelists also stressed that monitoring must evolve. Digital systems, such as India’s new “FoRTrace” platform for fortified rice, may help governments track compliance more efficiently. Integrating fortification monitoring into food safety systems could further strengthen oversight.

A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE

Beyond economics, the experts reminded millers why fortification matters. “Flour fortification is not a huge cost if done correctly, but its health impact is massive,” said Nasser. “The benefits to public health far outweigh the expense.” Plyta added a final message for millers: “If all flour is fortified, it becomes a game-changer — just as iodized salt is today. It ensures micronutrients reach everyone, through every bakery product, noodle, or packaged food made with flour. Millers are the key missing link.”

Katherine Pittore

The VitaMin Assessment and the insights from ATNi experts underline the urgent need for collaboration across the fortification ecosystem. From suppliers and millers to policymakers and investors, every actor has a role in closing the global micronutrient gap. Premix suppliers are not just ingredient providers; they are part of the solution to getting micronutrient to those who need them most” As Pittore concluded: “Premix suppliers are not just ingredient providers; they are part of the solution to getting micronutrients to those who need them most”.

ATNi’s KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 

For Fortificant Producers

• Safeguard quality across the value chain
• Support effective fortification through partnerships
• Set clear goals & monitoring frameworks
• Disclose strategies and outcomes
• Promote peer learning & innovation
• Share best practices sector-wide

For Governments

• Foster coordination on LSFF
• Develop clear fortification standards
• Provide guidance & training
• Define product eligibility criteria
• Integrate monitoring into food safety systems
• Remove tariffs on fortificants
• Subsidize equipment & testing costs
• Include LSFF in social safety nets