ZEGO & CIVC Acquire Montana Gluten Free Facility to Strengthen U.S. Gluten-Free Grain Supply Chain

Belgrade, MT (July 7, 2025) — ZEGO, a leader in purity-tested, allergy-friendly breakfast foods, announces the acquisition of key assets from Montana Gluten Free Processors (MGFP) and the launch of a new venture, CIVC LLC (Collaborative Integrated Value Chain), which has acquired MGFP’s plant, land, and equipment. This strategic expansion strengthens the U.S. supply chain for gluten-free and organic grains, supports regional farmers through commercialization of premium rotation crops, and broadens market access to gluten-free and allergen-free foods for the special diet community. 

For over two decades, Montana Gluten Free has been a trusted provider of high-quality gluten-free oats and specialty grains, known for its proprietary high-protein oat varietal, groundbreaking purity protocol practices, and commitment to allergen-free production. 

ZEGO has acquired MGFP’s brand DBA and customer accounts. CIVC LLC—founded by ZEGO’s CEO Colleen Kavanagh—now owns and operates the Belgrade, MT facility. The new ownership will continue to produce ZEGO and MGFP’s popular products. 

A 2024 USDA Organic Market Development Grant awarded to ZEGO is supporting major equipment upgrades and facility modernization. These improvements will increase capacity, introduce new processing capabilities, and enhance quality control and traceability for certified organic gluten-free grains. 

CIVC will manage facility operations with a mission to support values-aligned brands and regional organic and regenerative farmers. Upgrades will include adding cleaning, dehulling, and processing equipment for ancient gluten-free grains such as millet, buckwheat, and quinoa. The facility will also offer co-packing services for food companies seeking allergen- and corn-free production in a certified gluten-free environment. 

“This acquisition is about more than infrastructure—it’s about building a caring food system. CIVC is designed to nurture a collaborative, values-based supply chain from farm gate to retail shelf. We’re here to help farmers thrive, brands grow, and consumers access food they can trust.” - Colleen Kavanagh, founder and CEO of ZEGO and CIVC

About ZEGO: ZEGO provides clean, allergen-friendly breakfast foods to over 1,200 U.S. retailers, including Sprouts, Erewhon, and Natural Grocers. Bestsellers include its organic Double Protein Oatmeal, Muesli, and Superfood Oatmeal Blends. ZEGO pioneered transparency in food safety through its Purity Verification system, which tests for gluten, glyphosate, heavy metals, and more than 500 agricultural chemical residues. Consumers can scan a QR code on every ZEGO package to view third-party test results. 

About CIVC: CIVC LLC is a Montana-based grain processing and co-packing company founded to revolutionize the mid-tier food supply chain. Its mission is to support a collaborative, integrated value chain for gluten-free grains that values farmers as essential partners, uplifts purpose-driven food brands, and delivers clean, nutrient-dense foods to consumers at competitive prices. 

Media Contact: Erica Dermer, Marketing Director, ZEGO – 415-706-8094