When it comes to specialty food innovation, ingredient suppliers are often the unsung heroes, helping turn bold ideas into viable, shelf-ready products. Columbia Grain International (CGI), a trusted supplier of high-protein grains, lentils, chickpeas, and more, is one of those partners redefining what collaboration can look like across the food system.
Karen Matsuoka, CGI’s Strategic Advisor for Business Development and Marketing, joined the Specialty Food Association (SFA)’s Maker Prep Course to better understand the challenges food makers face—and to become a more connected, intentional partner in their success. Now, as a mentor in the SFA Mentorship Program, she’s advising the next generation of food entrepreneurs. We sat down with Karen to hear how Columbia Grain is supporting innovation, why sourcing stories matter, and what she learned from the Maker Prep experience.
Please tell us about Columbia Grain and your company’s work in the specialty food world.
Columbia Grain International (CGI) is a trusted supplier of premium-quality grains, pulses, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. We have a strong presence across the Northern Tier of the U.S. and into Canada, and we operate an integrated network of grain elevators and processing facilities. Our focus on quality, traceability, and food safety ensures our ingredients meet the highest standards required by today’s specialty food makers. While we primarily supply raw agricultural products, we see ourselves as foundational partners—collaborating with food brands to create innovative, protein-rich, and plant-based solutions that align with modern consumer preferences.
What makes domestically sourced ingredients—and your brand’s story—resonate with specialty food buyers today?
Specialty food buyers today are looking for transparency, quality, and a real connection to the source of their ingredients. Whether grown in the U.S. or Canada, CGI’s products offer full traceability, clean-label appeal, and nutrient density. Our story is rooted in longstanding partnerships with growers and a commitment to agricultural integrity. By supplying high-protein ingredients like lentils and dry beans, we help food brands meet growing demand for better-for-you products—while also supporting regional supply chains and farming communities. It’s a story of shared values and collaboration from field to finished product.
What inspired you to participate in the Maker Prep program? What would you say to founders who are considering joining?
We joined Maker Prep to deepen our understanding of how our ingredients support food innovation—and to build stronger relationships within the specialty food ecosystem. It was a chance to step into a more collaborative role: not just as a supplier, but as a partner. For founders, I’d say Maker Prep is a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge, learn from experts, and join a community that shares your entrepreneurial energy and creativity.
What part of the Maker Prep experience had the most impact on you?
The emphasis on market positioning and the growing consumer demand for high-protein, functional foods really resonated. It helped us refine how we communicate the nutritional value of our ingredients to food brands focused on plant-based innovation. The collaborative learning environment, combined with real-world insights, made the program incredibly relevant. It reinforced the idea that makers and ingredient suppliers are stronger when they work side by side.
You’re now a mentor in the SFA Mentorship Program—what’s it been like to support other makers?
It’s been incredibly fulfilling. As a consumer, mother, and businesswoman, helping a founder bring their vision to life—and eventually seeing it on store shelves—is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. Whether it’s sourcing, logistics, or product development, we’re proud to walk alongside these entrepreneurs and share in their journey.
What’s ahead for Columbia Grain?
We’re focused on deepening our role as a trusted partner in the specialty food space. That includes expanding our processing capabilities, offering more flexible sourcing solutions, and continuing to innovate with clean, protein-rich ingredients. We’re excited about niche crops like Canadian-grown mustard, and we’re committed to helping food brands develop products that deliver on nutrition, flavor, and impact.
Want to turn your idea into a shelf-ready success story? Maker Prep Course offers foundational knowledge, expert insights, and a supportive cohort experience to help you grow your specialty food business with confidence.
The next cohort kicks off at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, June 29 – July 1 in NYC! Learn more and enroll today.
Columbia Grain’s Karen Matsuoka Talks Maker Prep, Mentorship, and Mission
