GERMANY – The FlourWorld Museum in Wittenburg, Germany, has proudly inducted John G. Coumantaros, Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), into the prestigious Milling Hall of Fame. 

Established by flour treatment company MC Mühlenchemie, this museum celebrates flour’s history and vital importance to humanity.

Induction into this esteemed Hall of Fame is the milling industry’s highest accolade, recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the industry. 

An independent jury honored Coumantaros’s visionary leadership in sustainable and innovative food production.

Flour. Power. Life, the motto of our museum, emphasizes the fundamental role of flour in human nutrition. It supports health, prosperity, and societal development. These principles are embodied by John G. Coumantaros, who has redefined food supply in Nigeria,” stated museum founder Volkmar Wywiol, celebrating Coumantaros’ induction.

John G. Coumantaros, born in 1961, has been instrumental in transforming FMN into one of the world’s largest milling operations since becoming Chairman in 2014. 

Under his leadership, FMN has evolved into one of Africa’s leading food businesses, operating a mill in Apapa, Lagos, with an impressive daily capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of flour. 

His vision has always been to provide Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, safe and affordable food.

A key aspect of Coumantaros’ vision is promoting local grain varieties. By investing in research and development and working closely with farmers, FMN helps reduce reliance on imported wheat and enhances Nigeria’s food security. 

This approach is a model for sustainable agricultural practices in other nations, especially as Nigeria’s population is projected to nearly double from its current 216 million by 2050.

Torsten Wywiol, CEO of the Stern-Wywiol Group, and Roger D. Gilbert, publisher of the trade journal Milling & Grain, personally honored Coumantaros for his outstanding contributions. 

They presented him with a bronze millstone sculpture crafted by renowned sculptor Sibylle Waldhausen. 

At the award ceremony, Wywiol remarked, “It is my great privilege to honor a true pioneer who has made a lasting impact on the milling and food industry in Nigeria, John G. Coumantaros. He exemplifies the values of the Milling Hall of Fame: Dedication, passion, and innovation. His visionary efforts have truly made the world a better place.

Coumantaros expressed his gratitude upon his induction, saying, “I am deeply honored to accept this award. It recognizes not only my life’s work and all the employees of Flour Mills of Nigeria but also the legacy of my father, George S. Coumantaros, on whose shoulders I stand.”

He reaffirmed FMN’s commitment to expanding capacity and ensuring Africa’s food security, stating, “Food security is a central challenge of our time, and we take our responsibility very seriously.

John G. Coumantaros now joins an elite group of trailblazers in the Milling Hall of Fame, including museum founder and flour treatment pioneer Volkmar Wywiol, Martin Schlauri of Bühler AG, and Jamal Al-Hazaa, Chairman of the Jordanian Al-Hazaa Investment Group, all recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to the milling industry and technology.

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