USA-Columbia Grain International’s recently launched subsidiary, Enrich Foods, LLC, has acquired Great River Milling in Fountain City, Wis., assuming its milling operation and a new, state-of-the-art packaging and distribution facility.
Having been in operation for almost five decades, Portland-based CGI purchases grain, oilseeds, pulses, and organics from more than 8,000 farmers in the northern tier of the United States and operates assets that include grain elevators, processing plants, and agronomy centers.
On the other hand, Great River Milling specializes in organic and specialty baking flour, grains, and breakfast products, with nationwide distribution through leading retailers and major e-commerce platforms in the United States.
It is also known for its co-manufacturing and private label capacities for top-tier retailers.
Although the terms of the deal remain obscure, CGI will integrate its Balanced Bushel brand of dry beans and pulses into the Enrich Foods portfolio.
The new venture provides CGI the foundation to expand into the consumer packaged goods category, and welcome future business and acquisition opportunities as well as new market penetration.
“CGI’s acquisition of Great River Milling to launch Enrich Foods gives us the platform to develop healthy, clean, packaged food innovations,” said Jeff Van Pevenage, chief executive officer and president of Columbia Grain and Enrich Foods.
He also acknowledges that CGI allows his company to leverage its agricultural base of 5,000 producers to open new markets for them, utilizing its unique processing and packaging capabilities towards a mission of nourishing the world safely.
“I am confident in the competent leadership and passionate team at Great River Milling, which will help make the transition to our ownership seamless,” Van Pevenage added.
Enrich Foods will benefit from Columbia Grain’s stability and access to world markets for commodity sourcing.
On the other hand, the Great River Milling facility, located in southwest Wisconsin, offers a central location to service the US grain market and freight routes.
The new SQF-certified processing facility features high-speed robotic lines for high capacity and offers packing, milling, and blending capabilities for stone or hammer mills. It is also non-GMO certified, kosher, and has allergen-friendly capabilities.
The facility also includes innovative packaging options; from laminated to recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable, and offers a range of package sizes and types for retail, club, and food service use.
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