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Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2026- By Type (Pale Malted Barley, Crystal/Caramel Malted Barley, Chocolate Malted Barley, Roasted/Black Malted Barley), By Application (Brewing, Distilling, Baking, Food & Beverage), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sale

Publisher VPA Research
Published Dec 01, 2025
Length 184 Pages
SKU # VPA20631950

Description

Malted Barley Market size stood at $84.7 Billion in 2025. Further, widening applications and new product launches drive the market to generate $116.4 Billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 3.23% between 2025 and 2035.
Malted Barley Market – Introduction to 2026
The Malted Barley Market enters 2026 shaped by a balancing act between supply chain security, sustainability expectations, and evolving demand from both large-scale brewers and the craft beverage industry. As extreme climate conditions increasingly affect barley yields in key European, Canadian, and Australian growing regions, maltsters and brewing companies are investing in climate-resilient varieties and regional processing expansions to protect quality consistency and supply continuity. Consolidation via strategic M&A activities has strengthened capacity, but also pushed the sector to focus on supply diversification, sustainability validation, and digital monitoring of sourcing integrity. The rise of premium craft beverages and flavor diversification has further heightened demand for innovative malt varieties, positioning the market as both an agricultural and sensory ingredient innovation space.
Market Trend 1: Supply Chain Consolidation and Resilience Through Strategic Partnerships
Strategic collaborations and M&A activity are reshaping the competitive landscape, emphasizing long-term supply stability and vertical integration. The European Commission’s approval of the Axereal and Cargill Malting merger in April 2025 underscores how regulatory bodies are carefully balancing consolidation with competition. Concurrently, major brewers like AB InBev have partnered with Rahr Malting to secure consistent, high-quality supply amid climate disruptions and shifting cultivation patterns. Investments like Malteurop’s acquisition of a Polish production facility reflect a push toward regional diversification to reduce transportation risk while meeting localized demand peaks. These alliances also facilitate deeper collaboration across agronomy, flavor development, and sustainability tracking.
Market Trend 2: Climate-Resilient Malting Varieties and Sustainable Barley Adoption
Manufacturers are prioritizing barley resilience, quality enhancement, and sensory performance as climate conditions become less predictable. Companies like Viking Malt have actively partnered with sustainability specialists such as Improvin’ AB to incorporate certified sustainable barley into malting processes, aligning with growing buyer demands for provenance transparency and lower emissions. Meanwhile, investments by Craft Brew Alliance in new malted barley varieties are addressing both climate adaptability and flavor complexity—targeting craft brewers seeking unique sensory profiles for specialty beers, distilled spirits, and malt-based non-alcoholic beverages. This innovation marks a shift from malt as a commodity input to a strategic ingredient with branding, sustainability, and formulation significance.

Scenario Analysis and Outlook
The global Malted Barley Market study presents the macroeconomic analysis, growth across scenarios, and strategic insights over the forecast period. With uncertain demand conditions in developing markets, fluctuating impact of the US Tariffs, Russia-Ukraine conflict, AI impact on productivity, the report presents market size outlook in three different scenarios- demand-driven upside, productivity-driven scenario, and mild recession.
Promising Malted Barley Market Growth Opportunities and Trends Shaping the Future
Malted Barley Market Industry continues to form the core of business operations owing to strong business growth. Evolving consumer behavior, new product launches, and expanding cross-industry applications support both functional performance and commercial scalability drive the Malted Barley Market revenue. Industry stakeholders are also integrating sustainability metrics, including carbon footprint reduction, responsible sourcing, and traceable supply networks to improve global compliance and export readiness. With rising interest across applications, the market is poised to grow not only through volume demand but also through strategic value addition, formulation optimization, and market positioning in 2026 and beyond.
Malted Barley Market Segmentation Analysis
The Malted Barley Market offers strong prospects of growth across types and applications. In particular, rapid growth across niche applications is shaping the new product launches in the industry. The chapter provides market size outlook By Type (Pale Malted Barley, Crystal/Caramel Malted Barley, Chocolate Malted Barley, Roasted/Black Malted Barley), By Application (Brewing, Distilling, Baking, Food & Beverage), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Retail).
United States- Rising Consumer Purchasing Power and Digital initiatives Will Strengthen Malted Barley Demand in 2026
The outlook for US Malted Barley demand is set to increase steadily through the second half of 2026 as household consumption stabilizes and softer inflation boosts real purchasing power. With food inflation easing from earlier peaks, consumers are shifting toward value-driven formats such as private labels, promotional bundles, and competitively priced multipacks. On the other hand, yet premium and lifestyle-aligned brands continue to retain loyalty among higher-income groups. Strong household finances, high employment levels, and a recovering services sector are supporting broader consumption, while business investment remains solid.
Companies across the US are accelerating AI adoption, automation, and omnichannel expansion to enhance productivity and customer reach. With online retail sales estimated at over USD 1.4 trillion, mobile-first commerce, frictionless checkout, rapid delivery, and subscription-based replenishment models are becoming essential growth levers for Malted Barley manufacturers and retailers.

Canada- Health-Conscious Consumption and Steady E-Grocery Expansion Fuel the Long-term Market Outlook
The Canadian Malted Barley industry in 2026 reflects a measured but firm rebound as companies navigate moderated commodity prices, channel diversification, and targeted innovation. Online grocery sales are valued at $3.9 billion and continue to expand and are forecast to account for around 7% of total e-commerce sales by 2030. Over the forecast period, stronger digital adoption across food and consumer goods is driving Malted Barley market forecasts.
Canada’s food ecosystem remains closely tied to cross-border trade with the United States and increasingly interconnected global supply chains. Health Canada data indicates that over 70% of Canadians actively attempt to reduce sodium, sugar, or processed-food intake, driving growth in clean-label, organic, dairy-free, and plant-forward products. On the other hand, slowing population growth and tighter immigration controls weigh on household spending momentum, which supports value-led offerings and transparent sourcing for sustained Malted Barley sales.

Germany- Sustainability-First Purchasing and Improving Industrial Output Reinforces Germany’s Malted Barley Market
Germany’s Malted Barley market is witnessing manufacturing stabilization, regulatory focus on circularity, and a consumer base that values provenance and sustainability even under price pressure. Recent Destatis manufacturing indicators show recovering order books and improving output momentum in late 2025, which supports food processing capacity utilisation heading into 2026. Growth in private consumption began to improve in late 2024 and 2025. Despite tariffs and high global uncertainty, higher public spending will support consumption and overall investment particularly in 2026 and 2027. With German consumers continuing to favour high-quality, organic, and regionally sourced products, companies are increasingly investing in supply chain optimization strategies. Companies are moving from private labels to private brands by focusing on sustainability credentials with cost-efficient formats and sustain margins.

France- Premiumization, Organic Expansion, and Export-Driven Positioning to Shape France’s Malted Barley Demand
France’s Malted Barley outlook in 2026 is characterized by the large scale of its organic food ecosystem, with organic retail sales estimated at around €15 billion. Producers continue to leverage France’s strong terroir reputation by highlighting natural inputs, low-additive formulations, and artisanal processing.
Although France’s fiscal deficit is expected to decline below 5% of GDP in 2026, the public debt ratio continues to rise relative to the eurozone average, pressuring companies to focus on automation, packaging efficiency, and cost-controlled product innovation.
Companies are focusing automation, packaging circularity, and export-oriented product lines to strengthen competitiveness amid rising energy and logistics costs.

Spain- Value-Centric Purchasing shaping the Marketing Strategies of Malted Barley Vendors in 2026
Spanish Malted Barley companies are increasingly realigning their strategies around sustainability, circular-economy practices, and food-tech innovation. Leveraging Spain’s traditional strengths with adopting modern food-tech and ESG-centric models present strong growth prospects.
Food inflation in Spain has moderated but the cumulative increase in food prices since 2019 has significantly impacted household spending. Price sensitivity is steering consumers toward value-driven options such as private labels and bulk packs.
In 2025, the sources of Malted Barley demand growth originated largely from domestic purchases, a trend that is expected to continue in 2026. Private consumption will maintain a dynamic growth rate owing to lower interest rates and the recovery of household purchasing power.

Italy- Wellness-Led Preferences and Expanding Organic Sales Fuel the Market Prospects
Italian Malted Barley demand is projected to grow steadily in 2026, driven by a combination of robust domestic consumption, rising manufacturing investments, and strong export momentum. Italian consumers increasingly value functional and wellness foods, which is encouraging new market entrants into the Italy Malted Barley industry.
On the sustainability front, Italy’s organic food sector continues to expand strongly with over 2.5 million hectares are under organic cultivation. Evolving consumer preferences and economic conditions shape the market outlook. In addition, growing convenience food sector coupled with e-commerce and online food delivery market growth support the Italy market outlook.

China- High-Density Urban Clusters and Rapid Digital Commerce Will Anchor China’s Malted Barley Growth Through 2035
China is the largest market for Malted Barley sales in 2025. With a steady growth in demand from new applications, the country is poised to hold the dominant share in the region. In particular, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta present strong prospects for Malted Barley manufacturers and vendors.
Over the forecast period, faster than anticipated GDP growth coupled with new product launches continue to shape the long-term market prospects. Instant retail, modern supermarkets and convenience chains, penetration of e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods across rural areas and others fuel the long-term prospects.
With online retail accounting for approximately 26% of total consumer-goods sales, Chinese Malted Barley companies increasingly rely on diversified advertising formats, social commerce, livestreaming channels, and precision digital marketing. In particular, the year 2025 was marked by a diversification of advertising opportunities. In addition, the shift from traditional trade to modern trade is expected to drive additional 12% growth annually through 2030.

India- Rapid Urbanization, Expanding E-Retail, and Tier-2/Tier-3 Affluence Drive the Fastest Market Growth
India is the fastest growing market for Malted Barley in Asia Pacific driven by steady demand growth. Rising domestic demand, supportive government policies, new product launches, and widening distribution channels fuel the Malted Barley sales in India. In particular, India’s broader e-retail GMV is growing fast and online grocery/quick commerce has become a material share of e-retail conversions.
Rising disposable income in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is encouraging manufacturers to invest in quick and easy reach to customer base. Further, organized retail expansion, rising smartphone usage, delivery networks, and higher disposable income are creating a second wave of demand. Modern retail offering better assortment, cold-chain capacity, private-label collaboration, and visibility for new brands will gain steady market penetration.

Brazil- Value-Conscious Consumers Remain key Target Base for Malted Barley Consumers in 2026
Brazilian Malted Barley consumers present a mix of cautious budgeting and selective premium spending, influenced by moderating inflation, improved employment rates, and shifting household priorities. Malted Barley vendors are increasingly adjusting pack sizes, price points, and promotional messaging to match evolving budget sensitivities while simultaneously offering premium SKUs that deliver clear lifestyle alignment and value differentiation. As consumption behavior becomes more segmented, brands that balance affordability with experience-led or health-forward features are gaining stronger market penetration. Digital retail, food delivery, and omnichannel shopping are expanding rapidly, helping companies capture both value seekers and aspirational middle-income consumers.

Saudi Arabia- Youth-Driven Demand, Digital Commerce, and Lifestyle Premiumization Shaping Market Outlook
Saudi Arabia’s Malted Barley market in 2026 is being shaped by a combination of ambition and value-seeking, reflecting deep societal change under Vision 2030. With more than 75% of spending controlled by Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, companies are intensifying innovation targeted at these segments. Price sensitivity remains significant, yet consumers increasingly value convenience, nutritional quality, and locally relevant branding. AI-enabled personalization, social commerce, and mobile-first shopping are becoming primary touchpoints, while omnichannel distribution models support seamless access to Malted Barley products. For manufacturers, aligning product portfolios with wellness trends, affordability, and digital engagement remains essential for long-term penetration in the Kingdom.
Competitive Landscape- Strategic Partnerships among industry stakeholders remains critical success factor in 2026
The market is characterized by intensifying competition across domestic and international market players. Strategic partnerships between different industry stakeholders including co-development deals, private-label agreements, supply chain contracts, distribution agreements, and others to respond quickly to consumer trends are widely observed. The report profiles leading players, analyzing their 2024 revenues, R&D expenditures, and strategic initiatives. Key companies in the industry include Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Avangard Agro, Axereal Croatia, Cargill Inc, COFCO International, GrainCorp Ltd, J. Ruckdeschel and Sohne GmbH and Co. KG, Malting Company of Ireland Ltd, Muntons plc, Rahr Corp, The Soufflet Group, Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd, United Canadian Malt Ltd, United Malt Group Ltd, Viking Malt, VIVESCIA.
Malted Barley Market Segmentation
By Type
Pale Malted Barley
Crystal/Caramel Malted Barley
Chocolate Malted Barley
Roasted/Black Malted Barley
By Application
Brewing
Distilling
Baking
Food & Beverage
By Distribution Channel
Direct Sales
Distributors/Wholesalers
Retail

Leading Companies
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Avangard Agro
Axereal Croatia
Cargill Inc
COFCO International
GrainCorp Ltd
J. Ruckdeschel and Sohne GmbH and Co. KG
Malting Company of Ireland Ltd
Muntons plc
Rahr Corp
The Soufflet Group
Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd
United Canadian Malt Ltd
United Malt Group Ltd
Viking Malt
VIVESCIA

Countries Analyzed in the Report
North America- US, Canada, Mexico
Europe- Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Nordics, BeNeLux, Others
Asia Pacific- China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Others
Latin America- Brazil, Argentina, Others
Middle East and Africa- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Other Middle East, South Africa, Other Africa

Reasons to Buy the Report
  • Strengthen strategic planning with 15-year demand, technology, and policy forecasts across 22 countries and multiple application segments for cross-market comparison.
  • Analyze the competitive landscape including company portfolio diversification, M&A activities, product innovation strategies, investment flows, patent trends, and supply-chain positioning.
  • Gain an integrated perspective across the value chain, covering raw-material sourcing, product development, processing technologies, distribution models, and end-user adoption trends.
  • Unlock insights into digital and circular transformation, including AI-enabled product development, traceability technologies, bio-based ingredient advancements, and carbon-neutral processing strategies.
  • Assess risk under multiple market scenarios, including economic volatility, raw-material shortages, regulatory tightening, demographic shifts, and evolving consumer preferences.
  • Accelerate internal decision-making with access to report deliverables in multiple formats (PDF, Excel, PowerPoint dashboards), supporting board-level presentations, investment pitches, and strategy workshops.

Table of Contents

184 Pages
1. Executive Summary
1.1 Global Malted Barley Market Snapshot, 2026
1.2 Top 10 Market Developments (2024–2026)
1.3 Innovation Pulse – What’s Shaping the Future of the Malted Barley Market
1.4 Future-Proof Opportunities: Analyst Spotlight
1.5 Strategic Recommendations for Industry Stakeholders
2. Malted Barley Market Overview
2.1 Market Context and Strategic Relevance
2.2 Malted Barley Industry Value Chain Analysis
Leading companies in each Value Chain Segment
Strategic Moves: M&A, Joint Ventures, Investments & Alliances
2.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
2.4 Product Lifecycle Positioning: Emerging, Growing, Saturated?
2.5 Distribution Trends and Supply Chain Modernization
3. Malted Barley Market Dynamics and Growth Influencers
3.1 Key Market Drivers Supporting Malted Barley Market Growth
3.2 Major Restraints and Risk Factors
3.3 Emerging Market Opportunities, Disruptive Trends & Industry Transformation
4. Malted Barley Market Outlook & Strategic Scenarios
4.1 Macroeconomic Pathways for 2026
4.2 Scenario Analysis: Demand, Pricing, and Supply Stability
Low Growth Scenario
Base/Reference Case
High Growth Scenario
4.3 Strategic Imperatives for 2026–2035
5. Malted Barley Market Segmentation Analysis
5.1 Market Size Forecast by Type, 2021-2025 and 2026-2035
5.2 Market Size Forecast by Application, 2021-2025 and 2026-2035
By Type
Pale Malted Barley
Crystal/Caramel Malted Barley
Chocolate Malted Barley
Roasted/Black Malted Barley
By Application
Brewing
Distilling
Baking
Food & Beverage
By Distribution Channel
Direct Sales
Distributors/Wholesalers
Retail
6. Competitive Landscape and Positioning Analysis
6.1 Competitive Strength Mapping: Leaders, Specialists, Disruptors, Niche Innovators
6.2 Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, and Partnerships
6.3 Product Launches, Innovations, and Marketing Strategies
7. Malted Barley Market Regional Analysis and Opportunities
7.1 North America Malted Barley Market Growth & Competitive Landscape
7.2 Europe Malted Barley Market Regulatory Environment & Demand Trends
7.3 Asia-Pacific Malted Barley Market Expansion Opportunities
7.4 Latin America Malted Barley Market Emerging Trade maps
7.5 Middle East & Africa – Market Potential, Trade, and Adoption Trends
7.6 Regional Market Growth Drivers, Challenges, and Consumer Trends
8. North America Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2021- 2035
North America Malted Barley Market Trends and Growth Opportunities, 2021-2035
North America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Type
North America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Application
North America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Segments
North America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Country, 2021-2035
The US Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Canada Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Mexico Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
9. Europe Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2021- 2035
Europe Malted Barley Market Trends and Growth Opportunities, 2021-2035
Europe Malted Barley Market Outlook by Type
Europe Malted Barley Market Outlook by Application
Europe Malted Barley Market Outlook by Segments
Europe Malted Barley Market Outlook by Country, 2021-2035
Germany Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
France Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
The UK Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Spain Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Italy Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Benelux Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Rest of Europe Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
10. Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2021- 2035
Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Trends and Growth Opportunities, 2021-2035
Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Outlook by Type
Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Outlook by Application
Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Outlook by Segments
Asia Pacific Malted Barley Market Outlook by Country, 2021-2035
China Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
India Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Japan Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
South Korea Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
South East Asia Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Rest of APAC Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
11. South and Central America Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2021- 2035
South and Central America Malted Barley Market Trends and Growth Opportunities, 2021-2035
South and Central America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Type
South and Central America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Application
South and Central America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Segments
South and Central America Malted Barley Market Outlook by Country, 2021-2035
Brazil Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Argentina Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Rest of SCA Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
12. Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Size Outlook, 2021- 2035
Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Trends and Growth Opportunities, 2021-2035
Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Outlook by Type
Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Outlook by Application
Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Outlook by Segments
Middle East and Africa Malted Barley Market Outlook by Country, 2021-2035
Middle East Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
Africa Malted Barley Market Size Outlook and Opportunities, 2021-2035
13. Leading Malted Barley Market Player Profiles
13.1 Company Overview
13.2 Product Portfolio & Technology Capability
13.3 Financial Performance & R&D Investment
13.4 Competitive Benchmarking – SWOT & Strategic Positioning
13.5 Company Profiles with Product Portfolio and Financial Overview
13.6 Strategic Focus Areas and Growth Plans
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Avangard Agro
Axereal Croatia
Cargill Inc
COFCO International
GrainCorp Ltd
J. Ruckdeschel and Sohne GmbH and Co. KG
Malting Company of Ireland Ltd
Muntons plc
Rahr Corp
The Soufflet Group
Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd
United Canadian Malt Ltd
United Malt Group Ltd
Viking Malt
VIVESCIA
14. Strategic Outlook and Future Opportunities
14.1 Emerging Growth Segments & Untapped Regional Markets
14.2 Business Expansion Strategies: Organic, Inorganic, and Hybrid
14.3 Digital Transformation, AI Integration & Advanced Analytics
14.5 Analyst Insights and Growth Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond
15. Appendices
15.1 Glossary of Key Technical Terms
15.2 Research Methodology & Data Sources
15.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations
15.4 Custom Report Licensing & Tailored Solutions
List of Tables
Table 1: Key Statistics, 2026
Table 2: Top Market Developments, 2024-2026
Table 3: SWOT Analysis
Table 4: Porter's Five Forces
Table 5: Industry Benchmarking
Table 6: Value Chain Analysis
Table 7: Low Growth Scenario: Malted Barley Market Size Outlook to 2035
Table 8: Reference Growth Scenario: Malted Barley Market Size Outlook to 2035
Table 9: High Growth Scenario: Malted Barley Market Size Outlook to 2035
Table 10: Global Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 11: Global Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 12: North America Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 13: North America Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 14: Europe Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 15: Europe Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 16: Asia Pacific Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 17: Asia Pacific Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 18: South and Central America Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 19: South and Central America Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 20: Middle East and Africa Market Size Forecast by Type
Table 21: Middle East and Africa Market Size Forecast by Application
Table 22: United States Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 23: Canada Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 24: Mexico Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 25: Germany Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 26: France Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 27: UK Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 28: Spain Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 29: Italy Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 30: Rest of Europe Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 31: China Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 32: India Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 33: Japan Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 34: South Korea Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 35: Rest of APAC Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 36: Brazil Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 37: Argentina Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 38: Rest of SCA Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 39: Middle East Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
Table 40: Africa Market Size Outlook, 2021-2035
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