Representing UK flour millers for almost 150 years
Flour is used as an ingredient in about a third of foods produced; 99.8% of UK households buy bread [i]. Plus, it provides significant quantities of essential vitamins and minerals [ii]. Keeping the industry operational is, therefore, of national importance. As the trade association for the industry, UK Flour Millers is dedicated to supporting our members to maintain sustainable supplies of flour.
Up to 85% of the wheat we use is from the UK, and on average flour millers use 4 million tonnes of wheat each year - one-third of all the wheat grown in Great Britain.
Flour mills operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants, and retailers have the flour they need to make food for the nation.
Flour mills generate almost no waste. Virtually all our ingredients are used to make food for people to eat, with any by-products used to make animal food.
The UK has some of the most modern flour mills in the world, and people from more than 70 countries follow our training courses to become better millers.
Membership of the Association covers almost all UK roller flour mills and is governed by our Executive Committee. Our Executive Committee is representative of member companies from multinationals to family-run businesses. A President is elected at the annual general meeting (AGM), normally for a term of two years, along with the Vice President and Treasurer. Several other committees, again with memberships drawn from across the industry, deal with specific areas of activity and are the main mechanism for discussion and development of policy.
[i] 99.8% of UK households purchase bread (Kantar worldpanel); 30% grocery products in big four supermarkets contains flour, (Data by Ascential)
[ii] National Diet and Nutrition Survey
2024 Interim Annual Review
Flour mills supply an essential ingredient that nourishes the nation. Learn more about 2024 key statistics, industry information and lessons, and our look ahead for 2025.
UK Flour Millers supports its members by:
Facilitating reliable, sustainable, and affordable supplies of wheat and other essential production inputs.
Enhancing the skills base within the industry through training programmes and relevant qualifications.
Promoting good practice with regard to health and safety.
Providing a first point of contact for the public or press to seek information regarding flour and milling.
Promoting the quality, benefits, and safety of flour.
Communicating with organisations representing other links in the supply chain.
Communicating with and influencing government and other regulatory authorities to promote the interests of our own industry and of our customers.
Providing a suitable environment for discussion of relevant and legitimate topics, both within the industry and with other relevant organisations.
Co-ordinating and investing in technical collaboration when this is in the interests of the milling industry and its customers, especially with regard to food safety.
Anticipating threats to the industry and helping members deal with these.