Greenwheat Freekeh has developed a range of ancient grain products called Freekeh that are made from roasted green grains using technology that can immobilise growth enzymes in grain without cooking.
Because the grains are harvested while still young, Freekeh contains more protein, vitamins, and minerals than the same mature grain and other grains, according to its maker.
The company currently exports these products to 17 countries.
In 2011, the Australian market accounted for less than one per cent of the company’s sales, but the local market now accounts for 50 per cent of sales.
With this in mind, the company plans to expand production at its plant north of Adelaide to 3000 tonnes a year by 2018.
Last year the company invested $2.5 million into increasing capacity, and has plans to invest another $8 million in 2017.
Greenwheat Freekeh's current capacity is 500-600 tonnes a year, but it hopes to increase production to between 2000 and 3000 tonnes if the weather co-operates.
Harvesting grains early can offer an advantage to farmers, who often lose their crop because the grain doesn’t finish.
