The Annex by Ardent Mills is a Partner sponsor of the 2019 Fuel Your Influence (FYI) Conference, so we wanted to take a moment to get to know the team a little better.
In this post, you’ll learn more about the company and its products as well as how the company wants to work with influencers like you!
Q&A With The Annex by Ardent Mills Team
Q: Tell us more about The Annex by Ardent Mills, what you do, offer?
A: At The Annex by Ardent Mills, we are true explorers. We think about the future of food, day in and day out. This focus allows us to bring breakthrough innovations to our customers every day.
With plant and specialty grain ingredients at our core, including our ability to make custom mixes and baked finished breads, we strive to create the next generation of wholesome food products that enhance the quality of life and standard of health around the globe.
Q: Where do most of your products come from? Tell us more about what you produce locally in Colorado too.
A: Organic Wheat: Our organic sourcing programs started in Colorado and, as our need grew, has extended to 11 different states. We work to convert acreage in these states from conventional to organic through our transitional program.
Quinoa: Our quinoa is sourced from Colorado’s San Luis Valley. On May 31st, 2019 we announced a partnership with Colorado Quinoa, LLC. For customers looking for a sustainable and domestic source, Colorado Quinoa™ offers comparable taste, color, size and cook volume to varieties of South American white quinoa, with the added benefits of a stable supply and sustainability.
Q: What brands currently utilize your grains? Any local Colorado companies we should be supporting?
A: Right now, we are not able to disclose which of our customers use our products without their permission. By knowing more about our Colorado Quinoa we hope that consumers will ask for Colorado Quinoa from their local restaurants and stores.
Q: What are some of the products/grains you’re most excited about? What trends are you seeing in the production and demand for grains?
Gluten-free and specialty products are growing rapidly. The reason for this growth is multi-dimensional. We have broken them into the following categories:
- Own your Health: Personal definitions and approaches to optimum health are more influential than standards set by established entities.
- The Wholesome Story: The search for meaning, authenticity, and integrity in foods.
- Eating For Good: Beyond proper nutrition, there is a desire for food to do more “good” in the world.
- Modern Traditions: Excitement and intrigue in our food through modernization of heritage/tradition.
- Convenience Without Compromise: Quick solutions in line with updated expectations for flavor and quality.
Q: We have a lot of gluten-free bloggers in our group. What gluten-free grains do you produce and how do you keep those grains safely GF throughout the harvesting and manufacturing processes?
A: We carry several gluten-free products such as our Amaranth, Buckwheat, Chickpea flour, and our Great Plains Quinoa. We also have access to over 6 million acres of land that we can grow future gluten-free grains on as markets develop.
Q: Why did you want to sponsor the 2019 Fuel Your Influence Conference? What are you hoping to get out of your time with us?
A: The excitement of the group to affect change in the way that people live and eat is really exciting for us. We think that the FYI Conference is in line with the trends we are seeing in the food market. We are looking to drive awareness to our Colorado Quinoa product and the water issues in the San Luis Valley that quinoa is helping to solve. We would love to provide samples to the attendees. Our goal is to drive awareness that the current supply chain is from South America and we have a sustainable solution in Colorado.
Q: What are your plans for working with bloggers and influencers in 2020 and beyond?
A: We would love to work with influencers in the specialty baking and food space. We hope that we can identify some influencers that compliment our portfolio of products and are excited about what we do!
Q: Who will be at the FYI Conference and what is their role at The Annex by Ardent Mills?
Amanda Drake: Marketing Associate for Ardent Mills. Amanda supports all our marketing efforts in The Annex. This includes trade shows, conferences, social media, and engaging the community among many other things!
Mike Dee: Business Development for The Annex by Ardent Mills. Mike handles our strategic partnerships and investments. In addition he helps to identify new products to add to our portfolio based on market demand.
Christine Mez: Customer Service Representative for Ardent Mills. Christine works directly with our customers and mills to serve their needs. She is the one pulling all the teams together to make sure that we execute for our customers!
Q: Where can we find more information about the awesome things you’re up to?
On our website.
Be sure to say hello to Amanda, Mike and Christine at the Fuel Your Influence Conference. If you cover specialty baking or food, inquire about ways you can continue to work with The Annex.
Looking forward to meeting The Annex team at FYI!
Leave a Reply