In a world where more and more consumers are looking for healthy and sustainable food options, Minsa USA has adapted to these emerging trends, ensuring sustainability and care for the environment in its corn flour production process.
To learn more about Minsa USA’s commitment to sustainability and the reduction of its carbon footprint, Abasto Magazine interviewed the company’s director, Iván Ahumada-Gómez.
Abasto Magazine: How is Minsa USA adapting to new healthy trends in the food industry?
Iván Ahumada: We are adding new product lines and benefits to our flours. Improving our production chain processes:
- Organic.
- Transgenic free.
- Under an IMS (Integrated Management System) scheme.
- Using whole corn grain, fiber intake.
AM: How does Minsa USA ensure sustainability in its production processes and reduce environmental impact?
IA: We follow strict standards that ensure sustainable production and help protect the environment. In these procedures, it is worth highlighting:
- The use of regenerative corn in flour production.
- Use of organic corn.
- Recirculate nixtamal washing water for the cooking process.
- Minsa’s factories are accredited as Qualified Users and, therefore, have access to the Wholesale Electricity Market. This is why photovoltaic energy has been implemented in two plants and the cogeneration of electricity in one plant.
- Implement a project to reduce the carbon footprint regarding greenhouse gas emissions.
Minsa USA Products Good for the Environment and Health
AM: How do you promote organic and sustainable ingredients in your product line?
IA: The demand for organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products has increased over the last decades, and it is not a trend that came and went; it is here to stay. The company has been preparing for this trend, and we have followed the guidelines, regulations, and needs of the market and the authorities to offer fully certified products.
AM: What organic products are you offering?
IA: We have a line of organic corn flour for snacks and tortillas in blue, white, and yellow corn varieties, guaranteed through the NPO Organic Certification.
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AM: How does MINSA USA ensure it meets sustainability and product safety standards throughout its supply chain?
IA: Our suppliers throughout the supply chain, from seed, grain, packaging materials, and production, must comply with all the requirements of our certifications and must be approved by our audits and those of the certifiers. In addition, we continuously train personnel and constantly communicate company policies.
AM: Do you have plans to expand your offer of organic and sustainable products in the market?
IA: Without a doubt. The first step is to offer the products to the tortilla and snack market (tortilla chips, chips, extruded products) and, as a second stage, to consumers in self-service (retail) chains.
AM: What are the benefits of marketing GM-free and organic products?
IA: Marketing organic and GMO-free products promote regenerative agriculture, protects biodiversity, and helps restore farmland. In the case of organic corn, we help avoid soil and water contamination with pesticides and herbicides. It is the way to grow as Mother Nature intended.