US bulk grain and pulses processor Columbia Grain International has delved into its first consumer-facing product line with the acquisition of flour manufacturer Great River Milling.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes Great River Milling’s packaging and distribution facility and milling operation in Wisconsin.

It marks the first acquisition by Columbia Grain’s newly formed consumer-facing subsidiary Enrich Foods.

Great River Milling produces organic and specialty baking flour, grains, and breakfast products, available via US retailers and e-commerce platforms including Amazon.

It also co-manufactures and produces private-label ingredients for “top-tier” retailers.

Jeff Van Pevenage, CEO and president of Columbia Grain and Enrich Foods, said the acquisition would allow it to “open new markets” to its 5,000 suppliers in the US.

Columbia Grain will also launch its Balanced Bushel bean and pulses brand in “consumer-friendly packaging” under the Enrich Foods portfolio. Balanced Bushel and Great River Milling are the first two brands under the subsidiary.

Great River Milling’s “new” processing facility includes “high-speed” robotic lines, packing, milling and blending facilities.

In a statement, Columbia Grain said the company was “conveniently located in SW Wisconsin and offers a central location to service US grain market and freight routes”.

Pevenage said: “CGI's acquisition of Great River Milling to launch Enrich Foods… 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.”