Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Grain International has expanded its footprint with the opening of a packaging facility in Nebraska.
According to a survey from the Food Industry Association in the second quarter of 2022, 70 percent of retailers reported that supply chain turmoil is continuing within their businesses. Columbia Grain International has broadened its footprint across the supply chain, streamlining its operations as a supplier option for packaged dry beans and pulses for the retail segment.
The opening of its 60,000-square-foot packaging center, equipped with fully automated systems, enables CGI to serve the retail industry with efficiency, scalability, reliability and expertise. Their 40-year history of working with multigenerational bean and pulse producers ensures a premium, consistent product.
“As CGI sources beans and pulses straight from our network of American farmers we’re now able to provide custom retail packages without compromising quality, supply or safety,” said Bill Germano, CGI manager of retail products. “And our new facility in Hastings, Nebraska, will enable us to supply grocery retailers throughout the U.S.”
CGI’s facility is fully automated with critical control points to manage packaging and product quality and is capable of processing a wide range of package options. “Our intent is to provide a premier custom-packing service and innovation resource for grocery retailers own brands,” Germano said. “And in addition will be used to produce our own innovative CGI brand, Balanced Bushel, planned for an early 2023 market launch.”
Columbia Grain International supplies premium quality bean and pulse products to major U.S. food manufacturers, as well as packages to the retail trade and is a member of the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
CGI is an owner of Montana Specialty Mills, who operates an organic and non-GMO oilseed crushing facility in Great Falls, Montana, a mustard seed facility in Conrad, Montana, and a Montana Craft Malt, which provides specialty malt barley from Montana farmers to the craft brewing industry.
For more information, visit columbiagrain.com.
