Entrepreneurship in Action: Why Choose a Family-Owned Food Manufacturer

In the world of food manufacturing, bigger isn’t always better. Behind the most successful products on store shelves are manufacturers who operate with more than just efficiency — they lead with vision, integrity, and heart. That’s exactly what you get when you partner with a family-owned food manufacturing company like ZoRoCo.

Our Story

ZoRoCo began with a dream. Founders Cordy and Kim Rost left Southern California to raise their growing family in Cordy’s home state of Idaho. Cordy, a former aerospace engineer with a background in corporate finance, had long dreamed of starting his own business. Kim, a structural engineer, brought her own expertise, from designing facilities to managing expansions.

When Kim’s father, Marc Ikebasu — a seasoned executive in the food industry — moved to Idaho to be closer to family, the opportunity to build something truly special took shape. Cordy and Marc came across a small frozen food packaging business called IdaCold, and in 2007, they decided to go all in.

Their hard work paid off. Within four years, IdaCold had outgrown its original footprint. In 2012, our team completed a new frozen plant and acquired AFI Packaging, an allergen-free manufacturer right next door. That moment marked a major milestone, and we rebranded as ZoRoCo Packaging.

The name ZoRoCo is a tribute to the Rosts’ three children — Zoey, Ronin, and Cole — but it’s also a symbol of the values they built the company on: family, integrity, and an entrepreneurial spirit that still guides every decision today. As a self-financed, family-owned company, ZoRoCo has the freedom to move quickly, innovate boldly, and build lasting partnerships grounded in trust.

5 Benefits of Working with a Family-Owned Food Manufacturer 

1. Adaptability in Action

When you’re not answering to a boardroom, decisions don’t get stuck in one. As a family-owned business, ZoRoCo operates with a rare level of agility. Our founder Cordy Rost makes decisions quickly, empowering food brands to co-invest, test, and scale new ideas without months of red tape.

This kind of speed is especially valuable to entrepreneurial brands. Whether it’s launching a new school-safe snack or testing a line of vegan butter spreads, ZoRoCo isn’t just willing to figure it out — we’re built for it.

2. True Partnership Mindset

Too often, contract manufacturing is treated like a transaction. You place an order, cross your fingers, and hope it runs on time. That’s not how ZoRoCo works.

Here, partnership is the backbone of the business. ZoRoCo doesn’t market its own brands, so your products are never competing for time or priority. We only grow when our clients grow, and that’s entirely by design.

With years of experience supporting brands at every stage, ZoRoCo helps bring products to market, troubleshoot challenges, and scale production with confidence. From our obsessive commitment to food safety to our proactive, problem-solving mindset, our team leads with integrity, loyalty, and a hands-on approach that larger co-mans simply can’t match.

3. Real Transparency

Most contract manufacturers believe in black box manufacturing. You don’t see the process, the inventories, or the data behind your production. At ZoRoCo, transparency is the standard.

Every client gets live access to the same ERP portal the ZoRoCo team uses internally. That means real-time inventory tracking, production updates, and clear visibility from order to delivery. Weekly production calls and monthly forecasting reviews keep everyone aligned — because when you’re growing a brand, you need a partner who communicates like they’re on your team. 

4. Quality You Can Count On

Family-owned doesn’t mean small. With three purpose-built facilities — including a Big 9 allergen-free plant, a dedicated gluten-free plant, and a conventional temp-controlled plant — ZoRoCo has the infrastructure, certifications, and capacity to meet a wide range of product needs.

From scratch-baked allergen-free snacks to frozen plant-based entrees, our production lines are designed for safety, scalability, and execution. With a track record of 95% MOQ execution and certifications like GFCO, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project Verified, ZoRoCo is a trusted partner to some of the most discerning brands on the market.

5. Growth and Innovation 

For brands ready to scale, ZoRoCo brings more than just capabilities — we bring strategy and innovation. With weekly calls, quarterly reviews, and a team that actually picks up the phone, you get the structure and insight needed to plan for the long term.

We’re especially strong with retail-ready products and love working with brands that come in with traction. Whether you’re a small startup with big ambition or an established brand looking to expand into new formats like Big 9 allergen-free, our team is ready to help you get there.

A Family-Owned Food Manufacturer You Can Grow With

Choosing a family-owned food manufacturer is about values — and it’s about outcomes. At ZoRoCo, entrepreneurship is our founding story but also how we operate, solve problems, and help your food brand succeed.

If you're looking for a manufacturing partner that treats your brand like their own, you've found it. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our food manufacturing plants and how we can help elevate your brand.