Kamut International Announces New CEO, Increase in KAMUT Khorasan Wheat Production and Sales in 2008
Blyth, the nephew of Kamut International's long-time president and founder Bob Quinn, became CEO in January 1, 2009. He graduated from Montana State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and received an MBA from the University of Montana in 2007. Blyth was formerly Kamut International's regional director covering North America, Australia, and Asia.
03/03/09 Despite tough economic conditions and drastic increases in contract crop prices, KAMUT Khorasan wheat and flour sales increased over 5 percent in 2008, according to Great Falls, MT-based Kamut International. The largest increase in purchases came from Europe (6.4 percent) with 0.2 percent in the U.S. Italy alone accounted for more than two thirds (71 percent) of all European sales. KAMUT Khorasan wheat may only be grown organically.
Kamut International will exhibit at the Natural Product Expo West March 5-8 in Anaheim, CA (booth 2335), and the Canadian Health Food Association Expo West April 3-5 in Vancouver, BC (booth 213), and will attend the Whole Grains Council Conference April 20-22 in Alexandria, VA.
"We are proud our organic farmers remain committed to growing this nutritious and delicious wheat and that manufacturers around the world are increasingly seeking it out," said Trevor Blyth, the new CEO of Kamut International. Blyth, the nephew of Kamut International's long-time president and founder Bob Quinn, became CEO in January 1, 2009. He graduated from Montana State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and received an MBA from the University of Montana in 2007. Blyth was formerly Kamut International's regional director covering North America, Australia, and Asia. Quinn will remain as president, responsible for overall visioning and research, while Blyth will handle day-to-day operations.
41,900 acres of the grain were in production in 2008 - an 18 percent increase from the 35,300 acres of the grain in 2007. 37,000 acres were grown in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, 4,100 in Montana, and, for the first time, 800 acres in Australia. Approximately 2000 products are made worldwide using the ancient grain. Twenty seven percent of all sales of KAMUT Khorasan wheat are in the U.S. and Canada while seventy three percent go to Europe. KAMUT Khorasan wheat products are being introduced into Australia and New Zealand and are currently sold in 40 countries.
KAMUT Khorasan wheat-containing products in 2009 include biscotti, bulgur, artesian breads, numerous varieties of cereals and pasta, as well as coffee, milk, ice cream, and beer!
