Rahma Ahmed
By Ahmed Rahma
Crown Flour Mill Limited, one of the major players in the food industry in Nigeria, has established a state-of-the-art vitamin premix facility with technical support from the international nonprofit organisation, Technoserve.
The subsidiary of Olam Group stated at an event held on December 3, 2020, that the establishment was in line with the 90 per cent food fortification compliance target set at the penultimate edition of the Nigerian Food Processing and Nutrition Leadership Forum.
Commenting on the firm’s commitment to participate in the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) at the forum, the Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill Limited, Mr Ashish Pande, stated that, “Crown Flour Mills has established a state-of-the-art vitamin premix facility in Nigeria with technical support from the international nonprofit TechnoServe, under the Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods program.
“The goal is to prepare vitamin premix according to the regulatory requirement of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and to supply Crown Flour plants with high quality and food-safe vitamin premix. This is the first-ever by any flour miller in Nigeria.
“Improving the food fortification levels of staple foods is one agenda that we are utterly committed to at Olam Grains. Sustainability is one of the key enablers of our operational strategy.
“It is at the heart of our business’ drive to reimagine global agriculture and food systems. Providing access to nutrition which enables Nigerians live healthy and productive lives, therefore sits at the core of our purpose as a business.”
TechnoServe’s West Africa Regional Director, Mr Larry Umunna, while commenting on the development, stated that, “If Nigeria is really serious about creating jobs, expanding its markets and growing its economy, nutrition and food systems should be put in the centre of the conversation.”
The forum, which was convened by the Aliko Dangote Foundation in collaboration with TechnoServe and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was graced by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other dignitaries.
