Innovation does not always have to start with big, bold ideas. Oftentimes, it’s about finding solutions to simple problems you encounter each day or finding value in the mundane.
For Yasmin Firdaus and Krisna Yulian Irwanto—Aboitiz Foods Nutritionists based in Bekasi and Surabaya, respectively—innovation meant reimagining fast-food waste as a sustainable alternative for animal nutrition. Their project, “Utilize Snack Meal as an Alternative Energy Source in Feed,” recently won 2nd place in The Mill.
Empowered to Solve Real-World Challenges
Over the past year, the Indonesian feed industry has struggled with volatile raw material prices. With corn prices surging, the pressure was on to maintain feed quality without passing costs on to farmers.
While others saw the fried chicken coating as mere waste, Yasmin and Krisna saw an opportunity. They identified “snack meal” made from fried chicken crispies sourced from nearby fast-food chains, which serves as a viable, high-energy alternative.
“As Nutritionists, we always have to look for alternative solutions. Since one of our core values in Aboitiz Foods is Innovation—to always be better—it motivates us to explore alternatives, even unconventional ones, to stay competitive in a volatile market,” Krisna shared.
Bridging the Gap Between Idea and Impact
Turning innovative ideas into reality requires more than just creativity; it requires perseverance and determination. Following an initial trial in December 2024, the project underwent rigorous lab analysis and validation to ensure it met the highest product standards.
By January 2025, the use of snack meal as an alternative energy source was implemented across mills in Indonesia, demonstrating that innovation is at the core of Aboitiz Foods’ culture.
Living the Values: Pursue Shared Wins
Despite being based in different mills, Yasmin and Krisna approached the challenge as one team, drawing on a wider network to bring their idea to life.
“The Aboitiz Values Behavior that guided us the most is Pursue Shared Wins,” Yasmin shared. “Because while we generated this idea, we implemented it with the help of the production, warehouse, and purchasing teams. We celebrate our win (at the Mill) with them because they are the ones who made it possible.”
For Yasmin and Krisna, securing second place at The Mill was more than just a win; it was a testament to their professional growth and the value of collaboration across teams. As Aboitiz Foods navigates an increasingly complex global food supply chain, the organization remains committed to investing in both thinkers and doers who view challenges as opportunities. Whether based in Bekasi, Surabaya, or other parts of Asia, employees find that their ideas are valued and that they will always have a seat at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Mill?
Short for The MILL-ion Dollar Idea, The Mill—Aboitiz Foods’ product innovation competition— began in 2024 as an ideation challenge designed to spark curiosity and creativity among team members and leaders. The goal was simple: give team members a space to ideate and explore forward-thinking concepts for new or enhanced products and services.
- What is the main innovation developed by Yasmin and Krisna?
Their project is titled, “Utilize Snack Meal as an Alternative Energy Source in Feed.” It involves using fast-food waste, specifically the fried chicken coating (“snack meal”), as a sustainable, high-energy alternative for animal nutrition feed.
- What challenge was this innovation meant to address?
The project was a response to the volatility and surging prices of raw materials, particularly corn, in the Indonesian feed industry. The goal was to maintain feed quality and be cost-efficient without passing higher costs to farmers.
- What was the result of their project in The Mill competition?
Yasmin Firdaus and Krisna Yulian Irwanto’s project won 2nd place in The Mill, Aboitiz Foods’ product innovation competition.
- Which Aboitiz Values Behavior guided this project?
Yasmin and Krisna shared that the Aboitiz Values Behavior that guided them the most was “Pursue Shared Wins,” highlighting the collaboration with the production, warehouse, and purchasing teams in implementing the idea.
