You might soon be enjoying purple barley

Manitoba company has licensed AAC Magenta

In the next two years, a new variety of barley, AAC Magenta, may soon be available for consumers to purchase. AAC Magenta is a distinctive purple-coloured barley.

Edmonton-based Progressive Foods has secured the licence for this innovative barley. The company plans to introduce it initially in quick-cook form to foodservice establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and convention centres.

Eventually, it will also be available in retail stores in household-sized packages. Progressive Foods, which supplies food to businesses like Co-op, aims to expand its reach with this new barley product.

Progressive Foods Inc. was founded by an Alberta farmer dedicated to creating a convenient, tasty, and healthy barley option using locally grown hulless barley.

After years of nutritional research and process development, the company launched its Snappy Grains quick-cooking barley in May 2016. This product has a neutral flavour, making it adaptable to various spices and seasonings.

The company's mission is to enhance the value of barley, a versatile ancient grain, by promoting it as a healthy and convenient alternative to rice, pasta, or potatoes.

The barley was developed at an AAFC research facility in Brandon, Manitoba.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) registered the variety in 2024, and the Canadian Grain Commission has designated this variety to be in the Barley, Canada Eastern Food (CE), Two-Row Hulless class.

Progressive Foods is committed to supporting Canadian farmers expanding the potential of barley as a valuable crop.