Denver, CO—Ardent Mills is expanding the capabilities of its existing mill in the River north Art District of Denver, Colorado, according to a press release. The new processing power will directly supportThe Annex by Ardent Mills.

The company’s investment will add the capability to clean and pack intact grains, pearl barley and dehull heirloom grains like emmer, einkorn and spelt, the release says. It will produce and clean food-grade, organic and non-GMO grains and sell them nationwide.

This is in response to increasing consumer demand in segments including artisan baking, brewing and distilling, food service, and retail foods. The Annex, the release says, is positioned to provide a connection to heritage traditions and ingredients, along with food safety certification, product consistency and purity.

Shrene White, director of The Annex, said in the release: “We have listened to our customers, worked closely with our farmers and evaluated the future of the markets we can serve. Through the organic-certified mill, we are helping our customers bring these grains to life by serving as their source for dependable, food-safe, high-quality intact grains.

Kelly Whitaker, chef and co-founder of Noble Grain Alliance, noted in the release that “As more and more farmers are willing to grow these grains, milling becomes the next important step to get them to the market place. Noble Grain Alliance and our hospitality group are committed to the restoration of heirloom grains to Colorado and we are excited to see the development of the Denver Mill to help advance our work and the work of so many others into the future.”

The release adds that The Annex has plans to continue to grow and expand in Year Two; this project is just one of the first steps in this effort.