Columbia Grain International Acquires Great River Milling

Oregon-based Columbia Grain International (CGI), a manufacturer of bulk beans, grains and pulses, has announced an acquisition that will expand its private label capabilities.

CGI’s newly-formed subsidiary Enrich Foods, LLC completed its first acquisition by purchasing Great River Milling, based in Fountain City, Wis., acquiring its milling operation and a new state-of-the-art packaging and distribution facility. Great River Milling specializes in organic and specialty baking flour, grains and breakfast products.

Great River also co-manufactures and creates private label products for large retailers. 

Located in Southwest Wisconsin, Great River Milling’s facility offers a central location to service the U.S. grain market and freight routes. The company offers a range of package sizes and types for retail, club and foodservice use. It is SQF, gluten-free, organic and non-GMO certified, kosher, and has allergen-friendly capabilities.

“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, CEO and president of Columbia Grain and Enrich Foods. “It allows us to leverage our agricultural base of 5,000 producers to open new markets for them thanks to our unique processing and packaging capabilities, all in an effort to further our 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.”

CGI says it will integrate its own Balanced Bushel brand of dry beans and pulses in consumer-friendly packaging into the Enrich Foods portfolio. The subsidiary provides CGI the foundation to expand into the CPG category and allows the company to acquire more businesses in the future.