Malted Barley Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Basic Malt & Special Malt), By Application (Brewing & Food Industry), and Regional Forecast to 2033

MALTED BARLEY MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Malted Barley market size was USD 14.15 billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 15.090 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period.

The Malted Barley Market is a key segment of the global agriculture and food industry, given its multiple commercial uses as a brewing ingredient, as an ingredient in the production of functional foods, and as an ingredient in animal feeds. All of these applications make malted barley commercially valuable. In all the major cereal grains, the malting process enhances specific enzymatic properties of barley, which make malt extract and beer. In addition to growth from malted barley, there is declining beer consumption in the region. Beer consumption in indigenous populations within Canada and North America also supports malted barley growth, particularly in Quebec and the eastern component of Canada and the northern U.S. But growth is very strong in all global regions where malted barley is used, as it establishes a traditional brewing process. The healthcare and health-related attributes of barley as a whole are also useful for further market value. Conversely, and potentially with a negative impact on this market, both weather variations, i.e., droughts, seasonal effects on crops and farming practices, and realities around barley production significantly affects Malted Barley production and wholesale pricing trends.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING MALTED BARLEY MARKETCOVID-19 IMPACT

"Malted Barley Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to supply chain disruption and trade restrictions during COVID-19 Pandemic"

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant factor impacting Malted Barley Market, where demand decreased significantly in numerous channels, particularly within brewing and hospitality. Disruptions in the domestic, global, and supply chains caused by COVID-19, along with the closing of bars and restaurants, reduced production. Barley farmers also could not meet demand. With the pandemic's impact on beer production and consumption further reducing the need for malted barley, the affected demand continued. Restrictions surrounding international trade exacerbated issues with import and export and had a further cumulative effect on an industry already in disarray. As with many other agricultural sectors, farmers were facing similar labour shortages due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues that created low yields and subsequently inflated costs.

LATEST TRENDS

"Market growth is driven by clean-label demand, expanding malted barley applications globally"

The market for malted barley is shifting toward clean-label and natural ingredients, with health- and quality-conscious consumers wanting less processing and more transparency in food and beverage products. This shift is taking place with malted barley flour that is being utilized increasingly in gluten-free, functional food and plant-based foods and beverages as a result of its nutritional benefits and flavour. There are applications for malted barley in non-alcoholic beverages and cosmetics; there are certainly unexploited opportunities in various other sectors. The shift to clean-label and natural ingredients also adds to the effort of product reformulation by companies in response to consumer demand for products without artificial ingredients. All increases in adoption will position malted barley strongly as a clean and healthy ingredient in global markets.

MALTED BARLEY MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Basic Malt & Special Malt

• Basic Malt: Base malt, also called basic malt, is the primary ingredient in most brewing recipes. It provides the essential fermentable sugars and is produced under standardized malting procedures using the best quality barley. It will contribute the majority of both the flavour and colour of the beer. This segment is the dominant segment in the malting barley industry, as it is the most demanded segment of barley for mass brewing and distilling. Its range of quality is fairly consistent, and its flexibility and adaptations have made base malt the base of any brewer's beer, craft or otherwise, across the globe!

• Special Malt: Special Malts are used in much less proportion overall, but they provide unique properties, for example, flavours, aromas, and colours, which include caramel, chocolate, or roasted. These malts are made in a standard way in a malting process, but they have undergone modified kiln or roasts to provide attributes attributable to it. As consumer preference has shifted towards craft and specialty beers, the demand for special malts seems to be healthy, and there is continued growth. Special malt also creates new features for brewers to build into their beer that would innovate and create excitement in the brewing process; it allows breweries to start to be recognized in a more competitive craft beer climate.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Brewing & Food Industry

• Brewing: Malted barley represents the largest consumer in the Malt Barley Market; it is primarily made for the brewing industry to produce beer because of its fermentable sugars and enzymatic properties. Malted barley in some cases, may be the single most important influence on flavour, colour, and ethanol. The proliferation of craft breweries and brands of premium beers with a more diverse range of malt profiles has also seen an increase in malted barley consumption. This is particularly evident within beer-producing cultures across the globe and is largely driving much of the malted barley market on a global level.

• Food Industry: In the food industry, malted barley is used in products like malted milk, breakfast cereals, and energy or nutrition bars. Malted barley's sweetness, nutrition, and fiber give it potential in health items. Use in food was further advanced by the clean label movement and increasing demand for functional foods, creating more uses of malted barley formulations in the food industry. The food industry is in a steady growth trend because consumers across the board are more aware of wholesome/minimally processed food.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTOR

The surge of the craft beer and premium spirits market has been a factor driving the malted barley industry. Craft breweries are able to offer a range of specialized flavouring options for craft beer as they care about every component of the process for their beer, including malted barley, if it can be integrated into creating a quality recipe. This trend is especially noticeable in maker economies (for example, North America, Europe, and certain parts of Asia) that appreciate artisanal and locally available varieties of their beverages. As consumers become more diversified and authentic beverage options increase, the avenue for more malt profiles is increasing.

Consumer awareness of health and nutrition has opened the door to new food and beverage applications involving malted barley. Malted barley offers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants suitable for any wellness-driven functional ingredient. In addition, the fact that malted barley is a natural material suits the clean label claim. More use of malted barley in cereals, baked products, and plant-based applications will truly give credence to the trend for better, wholesome, minimally processed foods.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

"Market growth faces climate-related challenges, impacting barley supply, prices, and industry stability"

One of the major inhibiting factors of the Malted Barley Market Growth is the dependence on weather conditions to produce barley. In particular, barley has been discovered to be extremely sensitive to climatic changes, e.g., the failure of regular or irregular rainfalls, prolonged drought, or over-temperature causing stress in the barley crop. For example, a drought year might result in lower crop yields, lower barley quality, and a risky and volatile supply of raw materials (in this case, barley). Volatile and prolonged periods of climate-related fall in barley crop yields can constrain supply and create volatile price ranges and production uncertainties for maltsters and brewers. Thus, there are huge developments, disruptions, and greater uncertainties for buyers and sellers alike in the Malted Barley Market. One of the upcoming and tentative developments in the Malted Barley Market industry is to experiment with new functional and non-boozy drinks.

OPPORTUNITY

"Market growth expands with malt-based non-alcoholic products, despite climate-related challenges"

As consumers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages because of health and wellness, malt-based non-alcoholic beverage products can also target the segmented value of providing a product based on barley as part of a healthy diet. Expansion of non-alcoholic malt-based products enables new market penetration and potential market penetration in regions of the world with comparatively less alcohol consumption. Moreover, many new products ride the wave of the use of malted barley in fortified foods and vegetarian products. Therefore, we can anticipate new entrants reflecting changing consumer tastes and new market demands. An issue facing the Malted Barley Market is the uncertain availability and rising cost of high-quality barley due to climate change.

CHALLENGE

"Market growth is hindered by climate-driven barley quality and supply challenges"

Unpredictable climatic conditions, including drought or excess rain, will result in suboptimal harvests and inferior grain quality. This has a direct bearing on malt production because only certain types of barley are of malt quality. Supply unreliability raises the cost of operations and kills planning by food processors and brewers.

MALTED BARLEY MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

"Market growth in Europe is driven by brewing heritage, quality barley, and innovation"

The malted barley market is driven by North America and a highly developed brewing industry, with an increasing consumer preference for craft and specialty beers. The North American malting barley that is required is stable, and there are sophisticated farming practices, as farmers can provide 'just in time' or 'as needed' quality malting barley. North America is the leader because the United States Malted Barley Market has the largest number of craft breweries and larger competing malt makers that drive competition and engender expansion. Innovation in brewing by consumers, along with the movement toward premium malted products, will also support the growth of the malted barley smarket. The strength of supply and diverse demand confirm North America as the undisputed leader.

• EUROPE

"Market growth in Europe is driven by brewing heritage, quality barley, and innovation"

Europe is a major holder in the Malted Barley Market Share because it has a long brewing history and is known for producing high volumes of beer and whisky. Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium are famous for high-quality malting barley and utilising innovative technology in brewing. The quest for high-quality and craft beverages results in constant and steady demand for specialty malts. Europe is also fortunate to have an advanced agriculture industry with sufficient economic infrastructure, which will ensure all barley will remain sustainable as supply into the malted barley market.

• ASIA

"Market growth in Asia is driven by craft beer demand, health trends, and barley innovation"

As the Asian brewing market flourishes, production of alcoholic beverages keeps growing, and so does the need for Malted Barley. Craft beer has become highly popular in China, Japan, and India, with a similar spike in demand for craft malted barley products. Even with people starting to consume malted barley in health foods and wellness beverages, the region is looking into alternative or expanded uses for malted barley in food applications; generally, agronomists may be working on improving it, which has been stimulating diligence and investment into barley cultivation to gain better standing in the global deli market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Market growth is driven by innovation, partnerships, specialty malts, and sustainable practicess"

In terms of innovation, partnerships, and entry into newly emerging markets, the Malted Barley Market is being led by the key industry players. Manufacturing companies invest significant amounts of research and development in specialty malts, as consumers' preferences continue to evolve. These evolving preferences include specialty malts for craft brewing beverages and foods related to health, and the leading malt companies are also focusing on efficiency as well as their suppliers' related sourcing and sustainable practices to ensure consistent supply. Collaborating with breweries and food producers also extends their market reach as well as brands. Their flexibility with market demand and adjustments with regulated changes will also drive growth and give them the opportunity for a competitive advantage globally in the Malted Barley Market.

LIST OF TOP MALTED BARLEY COMPANIES

• Boortmalt (Belgium)
• Malteurop (France)
• Groupe Soufflet (France)
• Viking Malt (Finland)
• United Malt (Australia)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

April 2024: Cargill fortified its malted barley business by opening a malt processing plant in Sydney, Australia, equipped with advanced technology. The new facility marks an approximate investment of $45 million and is configured to meet the rising demand for malted barley in the Asia-Pacific area specifically. One key aspect of this move for Cargill is to assist the local brewer markets with local malted barley and give them fewer import options in our supply chain; another is to service the new demand from all macrobrewers and craft breweries looking for new and unique malted barley products. Cargill continues to leverage continuity and flexibility by making a new infrastructure that allows for faster malting time, along with better expected yield and malt quality, which are very positive developments for the malt barley industry.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.