DENVER — Flour-milling and ingredient supplier Ardent Mills released its fiscal year 2024 (FY24) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, highlighting the company’s significant progress across its four ESG pillars: Communities, People, Planet and Ingredients.
Prior to the release of its FY24 ESG report and in keeping with the company’s commitment to sustainability in the industry, Ardent Mills promoted Shrene White to VP of ESG and grower relations.
“Ardent Mills continues to be a trusted partner because of our steadfast commitment to advancing the industry,” White said. “This year’s report not only showcases our existing momentum but also reflects our forward-looking vision to responsibly manage the impact of our operations on the planet, reduce food insecurity and cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive. As we continue to evolve our ESG framework, we aim to create lasting, positive changes for our stakeholders.”
The report highlights Ardent Mills’ major milestones, including the launch of plant-based solutions, progress in sustainable farming practices and the heightened focus on fostering an inclusive workforce with a priority on employee wellness.
“As we look forward to our next decade, we will continue to take bold strides towards meaningful impact for our employees, customers and local communities.” — Sheryl Wallace | CEO | Ardent Mills
In its second year under the Nourish: Intention and Impact framework, Ardent Mills has accomplished the following across its four ESG pillars:
- Driving agricultural education and community support: Ardent Mills teammates supported 120 nonprofit organizations and donated 28,900 pounds of product during the company’s annual month of service in April. Through its Growing a Better Future program, Ardent Mills engaged 966,123 students in agricultural education. The company also helped generate $33.8 million across 12 African countries.
- Enhancing safety, employee engagement and development: Ardent Mills employees completed 32,715 hours of training in areas such as safety, food safety and quality. The company’s Safety Cultivating Ownership, Respect and Empowerment program contributed to a 6-point increase in its Net Promoter Score.
- Advancing sustainable farming and resource management: The company enrolled more than 598,000 acres across 12 supply shed regions in its regenerative agriculture program, which promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces negative environmental impact. Ardent Mills also advanced its commitment to waste reduction and environmental sustainability by achieving 57% participation in facility composting programs.
- Fostering diversity and inclusion: In FY24, Ardent Mills directed $19.75 million in spending to diverse suppliers as part of the company’s broader DEI strategy. The company also welcomed its most diverse intern class to date, with 37% racial-ethnic diversity and 40% gender diversity.
- Expanding an innovation-forward product portfolio: In FY24, Ardent Mills launched Ancient Grains Plus, a clean-label blend for enhanced baking functionality, and Egg Replace, a solution that supports bakeries and food manufacturers in response to a volatile egg market and growing demand for cage-free egg products.
“Ten years ago, we named our company Ardent Mills to evoke our passion for transforming the way the world is nourished,” said Sheryl Wallace, CEO of Ardent Mills. “Since that time, we’ve learned that true transformation requires intentionality and dedicated effort, collaborating alongside individuals and partners who believe in our shared mission. The achievements outlined in this report reflect that level of dedication, and it fills me with both pride and humility. As we look forward to our next decade, we will continue to take bold strides towards meaningful impact for our employees, customers and local communities.”
Visit the Ardent Mills website to learn more.
