Agribusiness Olam Agri has stated that its wheat milling and pasta business now operates nine plants across the country, up from two when it acquired Crown Flour Mill in 2010.
This was disclosed at a celebration to mark the 15th anniversary of the acquisition.
CFM commenced milling operations in 1981, and since acquiring the business in 2010, Olam Agri has invested and grown to become the leading wheat milling and pasta manufacturer in Nigeria and one of the leading millers in Africa. The business line now produces flour, semolina, and pasta, backed by strong freight capabilities and global sourcing expertise.
Nitin Mehta, Managing Director & Business Head of Olam Agri’s wheat milling and pasta business, emphasised the broader vision behind the business accomplishments within the time under review.
“Our strong profile of achievements in less than two decades of acquisition underlines our dedication to supporting the government’s New Hope Agenda for food security.
The business growth under Olam Agri proves what’s possible with the right vision and investment. We’re building more than a milling operation; we’re building a platform for inclusive development that uplifts employees, empowers partners, and delivers value to families across Nigeria. We remain committed to advancing innovation, nutrition, and access to affordable food,” he said.
Country Head at Olam Agri, Anil Nair, added, “At Olam Agri, we focus on unlocking value for customers, enabling farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. With an extensive distribution network for staples and packaged foods across Nigeria, we continue to drive growth in local food production. Our strong performance over the last 15 years is a testament to our commitment to manufacturing excellence and national food security.
“We are filled with optimism and excitement for the future. We have a clear vision of where we want the business to be within the next decade. This is why we developed a 10-year roadmap for drought-resistant seed development to scale local wheat production. With the continued support of our team, we are confident in our ability to reach new heights.”
A staff member, Femi Koya, who had been with the company since the acquisition, said, “This business gave me an invaluable career start. They provide me with a platform to contribute to raising the national food security level, contributing meaningfully to the economy and feeding my family while growing my career at the same time. Congratulations to us.”
Olam Agri has installed the first advanced premix facility in Nigeria, established extensive backwards integration that has empowered approximately 500 farmers, and partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, the Lake Chad Research Institute, and top global crop researchers to promote local wheat production.
