Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria honoured as nutrition pioneer in Africa. Sustainable and innovative food production secures the staple food supply of a rapidly growing nation

The FlourWorld Museum in Wittenburg, Germany has inducted John G. Coumantaros, Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), into the Milling Hall of Fame. The museum, which was founded on the initiative of flour treatment company MC Mühlenchemie, is dedicated to the history of flour and its essential importance for humanity. Induction into this renowned Hall of Fame is the milling industry’s highest award, and recognizes individuals whose life’s work has had a major impact on the industry. The independent jury honoured John G. Coumantaros for the successful implementation of his vision of sustainable and innovative food production.

“Flour.Power.Life, the motto of our museum, underlines how essential flour is as the basis of human nutrition. It contributes to health and prosperity, and enables societies to develop and thrive. These fundamental principles are embodied by John G. Coumantaros, who has redefined food supply in Nigeria,” said museum founder Volkmar Wywiol of the induction of Coumantaros into the Hall of Fame of the milling industry.

Torsten Wywiol, CEO of the Stern-Wywiol Group, presented John G. Coumantaros (left) with a bronze sculpture in the shape of a millstone for induction into the Milling Hall of Fame. © MC Mühlenchemie

John G. Coumantaros was born in 1961. After becoming Chairman of the Board of FMN in 2014, he grew the company into one of the world's largest milling operations and led its evolution to become one of Africa’s largest food businesses. The company operates a mill in Apapa, Lagos, which has an impressive daily capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of flour. Coumantaros’ vision was always to supply Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, with safe and affordable food.

The promotion of local grain varieties is a central component of this vision. By investing in research and development and in close collaboration with farmers, FMN contributes to reducing dependence on imported wheat and boosting the food security of Nigeria, whose current population of 216 million is projected to almost double by 2050. This approach is also a model for sustainable agricultural practices in other countries.

Torsten Wywiol, CEO of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe, and Roger D. Gilbert, publisher of the trade journal Milling & Grain, honoured John G. Coumantaros in person for his outstanding achievements. Together they presented him with a bronze sculpture in the form of a millstone, created by renowned sculptor Sibylle Waldhausen. At the award ceremony Wywiol said, “It is my great privilege today to honour a man who as a true pioneer has made a lasting mark on the milling and food industry in Nigeria, John G. Coumantaros. John embodies in an ideal way the values that we uphold in the Milling Hall of Fame: Dedication, passion and innovation. He is a shining example of how the visionary efforts of one person can change the world for the better.”

The sculpture was made by the renowned sculptor Sibylle Waldhausen. © MC Mühlenchemie

Coumantaros was moved by his induction into Milling Hall of Fame. “I am deeply honoured 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.” Coumantaros also emphasized the continuing dedication of FMN: “We are committed to expanding our capacity and continuing to provide the building blocks for supplying Africa with staple foods. Food security is a central challenge of our time, and we take our responsibility very seriously.”

John G. Coumantaros joins a select group of pacesetters and personalities in the Milling Hall of Fame. These include 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 of whom were honoured for their groundbreaking contributions to the milling industry and technology.