An Indonesian team won Aboitiz Foods’ The Mill 2025 with a feed-focused innovation aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability across the value chain. The regional competition featured over 100 ideas from multiple markets, reflecting the company’s growing emphasis on process improvement, resource use, and operational resilience.
A bold idea from Indonesia took center stage at Aboitiz Foods’ The Mill 2025 award ceremony. According to the company, this highlights its deeply rooted culture of innovation and teamwork to sustainably feed Asia’s growth from mill to meal.
This year, over 108 entries were submitted from teams across the region. Aboitiz Foods states that this demonstrates how deeply innovation is embraced across Aboitiz Foods’ operations. The ideas spanned nutrition, supply chain, feed formulation, sustainability, and emerging technologies—all reflecting a thoughtful commitment to doing things #AlwaysBetter.
The finalists presented their ideas during Breakthrough Day at the Aboitiz Foods Singapore office on November 13, 2025, before an esteemed panel of judges composed of executive leaders from the Agribusiness division, led by Eric Nojac, Senior Vice President and Business Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Agribusiness.
“From concepts that enhance product quality to ideas that open new income streams and markets, your submissions show how innovation directly contributes to our growth at Aboitiz Foods,” said Nojac, adding, “Let’s continue this momentum. Keep asking questions, exploring new possibilities, and finding ways to create meaningful impact — from the smallest improvement to the next breakthrough product. Together, we are shaping a future defined by innovation, purpose, and shared success.”
THE TEAM FOCUSED ON IMPROVING BROILER PERFORMANCE WON THE AWARD
The winning team of four from Gold Coin Indonesia emerged at the top of the innovation challenge, with their idea focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and traceability throughout the integrated value chain. Their proposal focused on improving broiler performance by replacing high-cost raw materials with ingredients derived directly – minimizing operational costs while maximizing profitability.
For the team, the challenge was also an opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with field experience to address real customer needs.
“In R&D (Research and Development), we are trained to always look for ways to improve our products while balancing performance and profit. That mindset pushes us to innovate,” said Rifki Putra Adimulia, Aboitiz Foods’ Nutrition and Research Assistant Manager for Agribusiness – Indonesia and member of the winning team. “We’re grateful that Aboitiz Foods gives us a platform to bring these ideas forward and turn them into real impact for the company.”
THE IDEA OF TURNING WASTE INTO ANIMAL FEED PLACED SECOND
The second-place winner of the challenge addressed the use of leftover snacks and food waste from food chains as an alternative source for animal feeds, resulting in cost savings. Meanwhile, the third-place winner discussed repurposing rice husk ash into silica that can absorb moisture from the air, keeping products dry and protected from damage.
Yasmin Firdaus, Aboitiz Foods’ Mill Nutritionist and a member of both the first-placer and second-placer teams, added, “Innovation is important because it helps us solve problems in smarter and more efficient ways. If we keep using the same method for different challenges, we won’t grow. Innovation pushes us to improve, stay competitive, and that’s how we grow as individuals, teams, and as a company.”
While details of the winning concepts remain confidential, the proposals offered scalable solutions that strengthen both operational resilience and environmental responsibility. It is expected to support more resource-efficient production, reduce waste, and improve reliability within the food and agriculture ecosystem.
