Rice is the perfect vehicle to deliver essential nutrients: ACI Foods’ CBO Faria Yasmin

ACI has recently launched fortified rice with the aim of reducing malnutrition in the country and building healthier generations in the future. 

The Business Standard sat down with Faria Yasmin, Chief Business Officer at ACI Foods, to understand the vision, challenges, and future plans behind this new initiative.

ACI has an extensive portfolio of products. Why did you decide to focus on fortified rice?

Our rice business already spans 10-12 main categories, but we wanted to do something more.

Our managing director, Dr Arif Dowla, Managing Director of ACI Limited, always emphasises that businesses should contribute to the country. This initiative stemmed from his vision of addressing pressing national issues through strategic solutions.

Bangladesh faces alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly among children and women. Statistics reveal that 28% of children in the country suffer from malnutrition, which affects their brain development, overall IQ, and physical growth. 

Similarly, many women, especially those of reproductive age, suffer from nutrition deficiencies like iron and zinc, often without even realising it. 

These deficiencies impact not only individuals but the country's productivity and GDP in the long run. 

Identifying rice, our staple food, as a carrier for essential nutrients seemed like the most effective way to combat this problem.

What makes rice a suitable food for addressing malnutrition?

Rice accounts for 70% of calorie intake among Bangladeshis, making it a staple in every household. 

This high consumption rate makes it the perfect vehicle to deliver essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are commonly deficient in our population.

While the government has taken steps to promote fortified rice, it is not widely accessible or well-known among the broader population. We realised that commercialising fortified rice could bridge this gap. Our goal was to create a product that is affordable, accessible, and nutritionally impactful.

Additionally, given the rising cost of food, not everyone can afford fruits and vegetables rich in essential nutrients. 

We worked hard to keep the price of fortified rice as low as possible so that it remains accessible to everyone. 

How did you develop this product?

It was an intensive journey of two years, filled with rigorous testing, trials, and scientific research. We collaborated with the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure that our fortified rice met international standards while being tailored to the nutritional needs of our population.

Scientific evidence shows that regular consumption of this rice can help retain, maintain, and obtain the nutrients most people are deficient in.

How does this initiative align with ACI's overall vision?

ACI has always prioritised consistency and quality in our products. But this initiative goes beyond profit — it is about making a meaningful impact on society. 

By tackling malnutrition, we are addressing a national issue and this socially responsible approach is central to our ethos as a company.

What message would you like to share with your customers?

We are optimistic about the success of this launch and its potential to create a meaningful impact. Our fortified rice is not just a product — it is a solution to a pressing issue. 

In the long run, we are hopeful that this will positively impact the nation's workforce and economic productivity by combating malnutrition and creating a stronger, healthier Bangladesh.