OVERLAND PARK, KAS. — Cereal Ingredients Inc. was honored June 25 as the winner of the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year. The honor was presented at the annual Kansas Cavalry Encampment at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park.

The award was presented by Governor Mark Parkinson. Also honored by the governor was BTI Wind Energy of Greensburg, Kas.

"We are honored to present BTI of Greensburg and Cereal Ingredients of Leavenworth with the state’s top business awards," Mr. Parkinson said. "These companies embody Kansas ingenuity and values, and they illustrate what a great place Kansas is to live, work and do business."

According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, C.I.I. exports nearly 30% of its products to 19 countries and increased export sales by 76% between 2005 and 2008.

"The majority of the company’s products are specially formulated to fit individual customer needs," the department said.

C.I.I. specializes in the production of food particulates that add flavor, texture and color to baked foods and ready-to-eat cereals. Other food applications include ice cream, nutritional foods, streusel and other crunches and toppings.

Other finalists for the exporter award included two other companies with grain-based foods links — Research Products Co., Salina; and Great Western Manufacturing, Inc., Leavenworth.