| The EU currently has some 18 companies operating 26 mills. These mills work as an automated and efficient industry, using advances in technology combined with the skill of the miller to satisfy growing consumer demand for a diverse range of products.
The four largest companies account for approximately 50% of production in the EU. A further 13 companies produce significant quantities of grits and maize flour contributing to a very competitive, commercial environment. These 17 milling companies are all members of Euromaisiers.
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Average 2004-2007
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maize flour
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157,000
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17.4%
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brewers grits
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518,000
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57.4%
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flaking grits
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228,000
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25.2%
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total
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903,000
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100%
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The EU dry maize milling industry uses around 1.5 million tonnes of maize each year to produce around 900.000 tons of grits and flour. Around 72% of the industry's maize supply comes from the EU, while the remaining part mainly comes from Argentina which is able to produce hard maize varieties best suited to the production of breakfast cereals.
Further details about our members can be found at members and useful links.
Origin of the raw materials used in the European dry maize milling industry
The main maize growing areas in the European Union are France, Italy, Spain and Hungary. The maize milling industry mainly uses selected maize from France, Italy and imported maize from Argentina.
French maize is typically used for snack foods and brewers' grits. Argentinean maize is typically used for breakfast cereals, while Italian maize can be used for any purpose.
For further information on maize milling process flow chart
Conversion rates of maize
In average it takes 1.8 kg of maize to produce 1 kg of grits/flour
1 bushel of maize = 56 litres = 0.0254 metric ton
1 metric ton of maize = 39.368 bushels
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