Trade

The milling industry is a key partner in the food chain at the first stage between farmers and food retailers. In the UK there are currently 31companies operating 59 flour mills. The two largest companies account for approximately 50% of production in the UK. The UK is self-sufficient in flour with a small positive trade balance.

The two largest companies are Rank Hovis and ADM milling.  The former is part of the RHM group, which also owns British Bakeries, the makers of Hovis bread.  ADM bought six mills from Allied Mills in 2003.  It does not have an in-house bakery business.  Allied Mills, formerly the second largest flour miller, now concentrates on supplying flour to its sister companies within the ABF group, including Allied Bakeries, the makers of Kingsmill bread.

For more information on the milling industry please visit www.nabim.org.uk