U.S. Wheat Customers Share History, Values and More with U.S. Wheat Farmers
Behind the world’s most reliable supply of wheat are the world’s most dependable people. Those people, from U.S. Wheat Associates staff to the state wheat commissions and U.S. wheat farm families to the many hands along the U.S. supply chain, represent an industry that is always changing. But many of the overseas customers USW works with overseas can also say the same. Despite the different roles or distances between us, all of the people in our story share an unspoken connection, not only through U.S. wheat but through our shared values of growth, hard work and family.
These connections are a part of our story.
MARIA FERNANDA RODRIGUEZ PAZ
Business Development Manager, Molinos Modernos, Guatemala
“Molinos Modernos is part of the Food Products division of Corporación Multi Inversiones, a fourth-generation family enterprise present in several Latin American countries with more than 90 years of history. Our corporate values are embodied in the acronym REIR, which in Spanish means “to laugh”, and also stands for Responsibility, Excellence, Integrity and Respect, reminding us daily of the importance of “always being happy at work” as our founder Juan Bautista Gutierrez (Don Juanito) used to say. We believe in the value of the family as a fundamental pillar and in our brand driving belief of “filling the world with wellness” through our products. Over the last 20 years, our personnel have been a part of several trips to the United States with USW, have hosted USW staff and have participated in specialized baking courses for our staff and clients. All these activities have impacted Molinos Modernos’ performance. We know and fully believe that the strategic alliance relationship with U.S. Wheat Associates is vital for the growth and development of our company and industry in the coming years.”
USW Baking Consultant Didier Rosada at the Cedecap, Molinos Modernos Guatemala’s training center, in a baking seminar for the Guatemalan baking industry.
GERMAN ZAPATA
Corporative Purchasing Manager, Grupo Nutresa
Colombia
“Grupo Nutresa sends U.S. Wheat Associates a very special greeting in the celebration of the 40th anniversary. Our staff has participated in USW trade missions, where all learning has been invaluable in the application of our products, and we participate in the Latin America Buyers Conference every two years, where we receive timely information for decision making and can share with experts. We’ve collaborated several times to produce crackers and other cookies with soft white wheat, and USW has also helped us work through several trade issues and to communicate the importance of importing U.S. wheat to the National Government of Colombia, benefiting the entire milling industry.”
Grupo Nutresa staff participating in a USW trade delegation to the United States in 2012.
CRISTOBAL BORDA
President of the Board, San Cristobal Mill
Chile
“Molinera San Cristobal S.A. is a large family that works in harmony and respect among its employees. Our history dates back to 1916 so we can proudly say that we have completed ‘a century of milling tradition.’ Today we have five wheat mills and a wheat storage plant. We know from experience that in order to develop a flour of excellence it is essential to have wheat of excellence. Our many visits to the United States with U.S. Wheat Associates have allowed us to learn from farmers, their seriousness and dedication to achieve the best possible wheat. One of the most outstanding activities has been the USW Chilean Trade Delegation Tour in 2009.”
USW Trade Delegation from Chile visits United Harvest Export facility in 2009.
ZHUBO LIN
Chairman, Xiamen Mingsui Grains & Oils Trading Co., Ltd.
China
“I started my wheat business with my wife in 1999 with 210 sacks of U.S. soft red winter wheat. From that time on, we have had close ties to U.S. wheat. In 2012, holding a USW seminar at our company encouraged us to promote and market our use of U.S. wheat with confidence. USW has since held more technical seminars and invited us on a company trade delegation to the Pacific Northwest and to participate in training there. We deeply love the grain trade in China that connects farmland and the dining table. It is traditional, but with new opportunities.”
Mingsui delegation visits the Pacific Northwest with USW in 2013.
FERNANDO ROBLES
Wheat Imports Manager, Grupo La Moderna
Mexico
“Grupo La Moderna began in 1920 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with at least three generations of employees. This is my 27th year with the company and throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the values our founder, Eduardo Monroy Cárdenas, left as a legacy: work, administration, good faith, loyalty and excellence. I’ve traveled with U.S. Wheat Associates several times, including for the Latin American Wheat Buyers Conference. USW staff have always supported us in resolving our concerns and we have developed excellent bonds of friendship. I also have very fond memories of the excellent attention while visiting Mike and Diana O’Hara at the O’Hara Farm in Montana.”
Fernando Robles in Montana with USW in 2019.
DONG-CHAN BAE
Manager, Samyang Corp.
Korea
“One of the most valuable experiences in my life is the close friendships made with USW staff and in the U.S. wheat industry. Thanks to USW, I’ve met so many U.S. farmers who always welcome our delegation with the warmest hospitality. The annual USW Crop Quality Seminar helps me better understand the global wheat market and about wheat and flour quality. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to USW and congratulations on their 40th anniversary. I wish USW and U.S. farmers much prosperity and success forever.”
Dong-Chan Bae visiting with U.S. wheat farmers in 1998.
Discover more stories about the connection between U.S. wheat farmers and their customers.
