Growing smart
How a local legacy of Mexican corn production is feeding the world
Corn has long supported the lives of local producers in Mexico. Now, a strategy to share it with the world is set to reimagine the entire agri-food supply chain—advancing their prospects in the process.
2023 marked a historic milestone for Mexico’s agri-food sector, with exports soaring to $51.87 billion—a 3.9% increase against the previous year and the first time the nation’s food exports have surpassed $50 billion.
This accomplishment not only reinforces Mexico’s economic dynamics and trade connections but also exemplifies its commitment to raising the profile of its agri-food sector.
Against the backdrop of growing sustainability trends and evolving regulatory policies, Mexican officials are finding opportunities to accelerate the development of agri-food in a way that aligns with national reforms and customer demand.
As part of these efforts, it is supporting the $300-million investment of what will be the world’s largest non-genetically modified (GMO) corn manufacturing plant—Millfoods. Located in the municipality of Salamanca, Guanajuato, it is set to transform the food and beverage industry under a vision to act locally, think globally, and progress sustainably.
Act locally
As a home-grown business, Millfoods is dedicated to using Mexican corn as the only source of its raw material and supporting local lives as a direct result.
Currently, all of the required corn will be purchased from small and medium corn producers in the Bajío area of Mexico, with $400 million being invested in local corn transactions from the beginning of the project until 2025.
This localized approach will provide Mexican corn producers with a reliable source of income to improve both their crop yields and quality of life. The hope is that more than one million people directly and indirectly involved with the project will be positively impacted.
For many, corn production has been in their families for generations, so knowing they have the support of Millfoods will provide them with the security and confidence they need to continue their legacies.
Think globally
Beginning the supply chain in the heart of Mexico, Millfoods will expand its operation worldwide, producing corn derivatives for customers in over 180 countries.
Having already entered into long-term agreements, the Mexican corn manufacturer is set to deliver non-transgenic corn grits to some of the most globally recognized beer brands. It will also supply corn grits and degerminated corn flour to produce consumer goods, like cereals, beverages, condiments, baking ingredients, and animal feed.
With this global presence, Millfoods will help position Mexico as a trusted trading partner, expanding the nation’s economic potential and opening more opportunities for its farming community.
Progress sustainably
“In response to the world’s growing expectation for non-GMO and carbon-neutral agriculture, Millfoods will be a non-transgenic corn manufacturing plant that solely uses organic ingredients to contribute to the health of its customers’ consumers and the sustainability of the supply chain,” stated Aldo Micheletti, Chairman of Millfoods.
From farm to factory, it will ensure production causes minimal environmental impact. While corn cultivation will support the reduced use of pesticides, manufacturing will promote the complete adoption of renewable energy. Millfoods will also minimize its carbon footprint by dry grinding its corn—a method that only requires a small amount of water.
To give back to the natural ecosystem, Millfoods’ non-GMO corn will encourage the growth of other crops, furthering biodiversity for the good of the land and the people who make a living from it.
As Mexico continues to sow the seeds of change, Millfoods will work closely with local corn producers to create a reality where Mexican agriculture enriches tables around the world and nurtures a healthy environment for growth.
