Horizon Milling announced it will begin producing whole wheat flour at its facility in Kenosha later this fall. When the project is complete, Horizon Milling will have doubled its current overall whole wheat flour capacity. The business currently produces whole wheat flour at its facilities in Ogden, Utah; Mankato, Minn.; and Mount Pocono, Pa.
"This increase in whole wheat capacity reflects consumers' growing desire to incorporate more whole grains into their diets," said Dan Dye, president, Horizon Milling. "We are expanding our ability to help our customers formulate great-tasting, wholesome and nutritious products that today's consumers are seeking for themselves and their families."
Whole grains are beneficial because whole grain products deliver important nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins and dietary fiber. In addition, diets rich in whole grains may help to support heart health and a healthy weight. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that at least 50 percent of all grains consumed be whole grains1.
Sixty-seven percent of Americans report considering whole grains when making decisions about buying packaged foods, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation's 2012 Food & Health Survey.
By expanding its whole grain capacity, Horizon Milling will continue to help U.S. schools meet the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules that require all grains served in school meals to be whole grain-rich within two years. On average, 32 million lunches and 12 million breakfasts are served to children each school day.2
Horizon Milling also offers other products that can help customers meet the growing demand for products rich with whole grain, including GrainWise® wheat aleurone and WheatSelect® white spring whole wheat flour.