Malt Market

Microbreweries Brew Up a Storm for Global Malt Market

The Malt Market is valued at USD 5.6 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 7.22 Bn,  growing at a CAGR of 4% by 2033.Malt is an indispensable ingredient in beer production, a beverage that has witnessed phenomenal consumption with changing demographic and lifestyles. In 2018, global beer volume consumption reached nearly 188 million kilolitres with the U.S. and Europe collectively contributing to the largest share.

According to Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), in 2020 there were nearly 10,115 permitted breweries in the U.S. alone. However, between 2010 and 2018, the demand for beer in the country was low. This was offset by burgeoning demand for flavoured beer, giving breweries opportunities and steadily boosting malt consumption. Meanwhile, in the European Union, the beer industry contributes to a larger chunk. The number of active breweries, especially microbreweries, has increased in the region. To date, there are more than 10,000 active breweries in the European Union. There is a strong demand for craft beer from the young population and millennials. Consumers have shifted their preference towards low alcohol by volume (ABV) and flavoured beer. Thus, the constant demand from existing breweries coupled with an increased number of craft brewers is expected to drive the global demand for malt over the forecast period.

Sales of Non-alcoholic Malt Beverages Skyrocket as Consumers Seek Health Drinks

In addition to beer, malt is extensively used in products such as baby food, brews, distillation, confectionary items, medicinal syrups, and cocoa-malt drinks amongst others. It is also used in the manufacturing of nutritional supplements, which are primarily consumed as taste enhancers to encourage the drinking of milk amongst growing children. Malt-based nutritional drinks are claimed to be loaded with B-vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein. Malt beverage brands such as Bournvita, Horlicks, and Milo have received tremendous popularity especially in the kids' health drink product category over the years.

The non-alcoholic malt beverages offer a score of health benefits along with improved taste with a wide choice of flavours. A swelling number of health-conscious consumers are opting for non-alcoholic malt beverages instead of carbonated drinks, which is further expected to fuel the global malt market over the forecast period.

Specialty Malt to Reflect Higher Growth with its Versatility

The global malt market is segmented on the basis of nature, product type, application, source, and region. Based on product type, the specialty malt segment is expected to register a noticeable CAGR over the forecast period. Specialty malt is available in different flavours such as chocolate and caramel to name a few, which makes it a healthy and potential ingredient for flavoured beverages. Owing to its versatility to flavour products, the specialty malt segment is expected to surpass others.

Based on source, the barley segment is estimated to occupy the largest share in terms of volume. The quality of malt depends on various parameters of grains such as kernel plumpness, shape, size, grain protein content, and b-glucan. Barley is considered to be the fourth largest cereal crop, contributing to 7% of the global cereal production. Abundant availability makes it a perfect and sustainable source of raw material for manufacturers, supporting the segment growth in the near future.

Asia Pacific to Lead the Global Malt Market

Based on region, Europe is the largest producer as well as one of the largest consumers of malt across the globe. The region contributes to nearly 40% of the global malt production while 60% to the trade. Research indicates that there are nearly 150 malting plants in the region with Germany, France, and U.K. being a few of the largest malt producing countries in Europe.

In terms of consumption Asia Pacific region is expected to be one of the largest malt consumers during the forecast period. More than 30% of the malt produced in Europe is exported to Asia Pacific region. Increased consumption of beer in emerging countries coupled with rising demand for non-alcoholic malt beverages is expected to drive the malt market in the region. India is expected to register high potential value growth over the forecast period. The country is observed to be one of the largest consumers of malt-based drinks accounting for nearly 20% of the world's retail volume sales.

Following this trend beverage manufacturers are keen to capture the Indian market. For instance, in 2019 CoCa-Cola introduced a non-alcoholic malt-based beverage, Barbican. Thus, increased demand for health-based malt beverages in Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the global malt market during the forecast period.

Global Malt Market: Key Players 

Some of the major players studied in this report are 

• Malteurop Group
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Boortmalt (Maltspired)
• Malt Products Corporation
• Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company)
• Südzucker AG (via its GrainMilling & CropEnergies divisions)
• GrainCorp Limited
• PEL (Produits de l’Essor) Malt
• Soufflet Malt
• Castle Malting Ltd.
• Muntons PLC
• Simpsons Malting
• Skagit Valley Malting Co.
• Great Western Malting Company

By Type:

• Liquid extract
• Dry extract
• Malt flour

By Application:

• Beer Industry
• Whisky Distilleries
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceutical industry

By Source:

• Barley
• Wheat
• Rye

By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa