A high-level, industry-focused workshop titled “Fortified Flour for Bangladesh’s Processed Food Industry: B2B Opportunities” was successfully held on 15 January 2026 at Hotel Lakeshore Heights, Dhaka, bringing together leading food manufacturers, flour millers, technology providers, and development partners from across Bangladesh’s processed food sector. The workshop was organized by the Millers for Nutrition Coalition, powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation, with the objective of demonstrating how fortified wheat flour can serve as a commercially viable raw material for processed food while contributing to improved nutrition and public health outcomes.
The event witnessed participation from a broad spectrum of Bangladesh’s leading food and agribusiness companies, reflecting growing private sector interest in fortified ingredients and nutrition-led product innovation. Such as ACI Foods, IFAD Multi Products Ltd., Akij Essential Ltd., Akij FMCG Ltd., Meghna Group of Ind., Coopers, Golden Harvest, Dan Foods Ltd., Eurasia Foods Ltd., Rupushi BD Group, Janata Biscuit Company, PRAN Group, QAM (KFC & Pizza Hut), Igloo Ice Cream & Milk Ind., Square Food & Beverage Ltd, Mim Sharat Group, Grameen Danone etc.
Their participation underscored the sector’s readiness to integrate fortified wheat flour into mainstream production across biscuits, bakery, dairy, snacks, noodles, and ready-to-eat food categories. In the opening session, Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager, TechnoServe, highlighted the strategic importance of the processed food industry as a scalable delivery platform for essential micronutrients. He emphasized that fortified flour presents a dual opportunity— enhancing brand value and market competitiveness while contributing to national nutrition priorities.
Keynote presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Gulzarul Aziz (Bangladesh Agricultural University) and Md. Nayem Zobayer (Senior Food Fortification Specialist, TechnoServe). A facilitated discussion titled “What Could Be Our Next Step?” brought together global technology and nutrition leaders, including BASF, Bühler Bangladesh, alongside development partners such as WFP, GAIN and Nutrition International (NI). Participants shared insights on technical readiness, supply chain integration, and partnership models required to scale fortified flour adoption nationwide. Mr. Reza Mohammad Mohsin, Director (Accounts and Finance Division) Directorate General of Food, as Chief Guest. He noted that while fortified wheat flour is not yet part of Bangladesh’s social safety net programs, the government is actively exploring its future inclusion.
He also acknowledged the rapid growth of fortified food products in the consumer market and commended private sector leadership in advancing nutrition-sensitive food systems. TechnoServe’s continued role in strengthening the food fortification ecosystem was also recognized. The workshop was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member (Food Industry & Production), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).
In his remarks, he emphasized that fortified flour is not only a nutritionally enriched food ingredient but also a vital tool for ensuring food safety and improving public health in a sustainable manner. He noted that increased use of fortified flour in the processed food industry would contribute to addressing micronutrient deficiencies among consumers while simultaneously enhancing product quality and the competitive strength of the food industry.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Md. Guljer Ahmmed, reaffirming the shared commitment of industry, government, and development partners to expand sustainable and inclusive food fortification in Bangladesh. Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners—BASF, BioAnalyt, dsmfirmenich, Mühlenchemie, and SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners— Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, and Sanku; and a growing network of local technical partners. The coalition is powered by TechnoServe with funding from the Gates Foundation. For Media Enquiries: Md. Rafiqul Islam 01738122062
