Malt Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Malt Market Overview

Malt Market size was valued at USD 11.08 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 15.84 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.05% from 2025 to 2033.

Malt, a key ingredient made by germinating cereal grains, is essential for brewing, distilling, baking, and food processing worldwide. In 2024, global malt production exceeded 24 million metric tons, with barley remaining the dominant grain source for over 90% of malt output. Europe led global supply with around 50% share, driven by strong demand from the brewing and craft beer industries.

The food and beverage sector is the primary consumer of malt, accounting for about 85% of total usage in 2024. Beer production alone used over 20 million metric tons of malt globally in 2024, highlighting its importance for large breweries and microbreweries alike. Wheat malt is gaining traction too, supported by demand for specialty beers and malt-based beverages. North America and Europe remain mature markets, while Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth due to expanding brewery operations in China and India.

In addition to brewing, malt is widely used in bakery, confectionery, and dairy segments for its flavor, color, and enzyme properties. In 2024, nearly 2 million metric tons of malt were used in bakery applications worldwide. Rising consumer demand for craft beer, clean-label ingredients, and artisanal bakery products continues to fuel market expansion. Companies are focusing on sustainable sourcing and innovative malting technologies to meet evolving quality and supply chain expectations through 2033.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Growing craft beer consumption, with over 30% of new beer launches in 2024 featuring specialty malts.

COUNTRY/REGION: Europe produced nearly 50% of global malt in 2024, with France and Belgium as key exporters.

SEGMENT: Brewing accounted for approximately 85% of total malt consumption in 2024.

Malt Market Trends

The global malt market is seeing steady transformation driven by the craft beer boom, consumer interest in premium baked goods, and innovative malt varieties. In 2024, craft beer consumption rose by 6% globally, with over 30% of new beer products using specialty or organic malts to differentiate flavors and meet niche demand. Malt suppliers are investing in small-batch malting facilities to cater to microbreweries and craft distilleries. Wheat malt, once niche, is becoming mainstream due to the popularity of wheat beers and non-alcoholic malt beverages, particularly in Germany and the US. The bakery industry is also adopting malt extracts and malt flour to enhance flavor, texture, and browning in bread and cookies. In 2024, premium bakery brands in Europe and North America sourced over 500,000 metric tons of malted grains for artisanal and clean-label products. Sustainability is gaining traction too, with large maltsters committing to lower water and energy consumption during malting. Digital supply chain tools and traceable sourcing are in demand as big breweries and bakeries face pressure to prove environmental responsibility. In Asia-Pacific, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles are expanding beer and bakery markets; China’s beer sector alone used over 4 million metric tons of malt in 2024. Together, these trends indicate that malt will continue to be a versatile, innovation-friendly ingredient, driving investments in specialty grains, energy-efficient processing, and premium product positioning through 2033.

Malt Market Dynamics

The malt market operates at the intersection of brewing tradition, modern craft trends, and sustainability pressures. In 2024, global beer production surpassed 1.9 billion hectoliters, ensuring malt’s core position in the beverage industry. Craft breweries, which now make up over 25% of global beer brands, demand specialty malt varieties to deliver unique flavors. Meanwhile, the bakery sector is expanding its use of malt ingredients in bread, cookies, and breakfast cereals; in 2024, bakery applications consumed nearly 2 million metric tons of malt globally. Supply chain dynamics are changing, with leading maltsters in Europe and North America upgrading facilities to reduce carbon footprints and improve production yields. However, climate variability is a concern, as barley yields in Canada and Northern Europe dropped by 5% in 2024 due to heat waves. This challenges producers to secure consistent, high-quality grain supply. Companies are exploring alternative grains and innovative kilning techniques to diversify offerings. Consumer interest in natural, traceable ingredients drives demand for organic and non-GMO malts. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, continues to be a growth hotspot due to rising disposable incomes and urban craft beer culture. These dynamics reflect an industry balancing scale, sustainability, and premiumization to stay competitive through 2033.

DRIVER

Rising demand from the craft beer segment

Craft breweries continue to flourish globally. In 2024, craft beer accounted for 25% of all new beer launches, pushing maltsters to expand specialty malt production to meet demand for diverse flavors and brewing styles.

RESTRAINT

Climate-related risks to barley supply

Climate change affects barley yields, the main raw material for malt. In 2024, European barley production dropped by 5% due to heat stress and unpredictable rainfall, raising concerns about supply stability and price volatility.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in emerging markets and premium bakery

Emerging economies like India and China are increasing malt imports for beer and food processing. In 2024, India’s craft brewery count rose to over 300, creating new opportunities for local and international malt suppliers.

CHALLENGE

Sustainability and production costs pressure

Malt production is energy and water intensive. In 2024, leading producers faced higher energy costs in Europe, pushing the industry to adopt energy-efficient kilning and sustainable grain sourcing to maintain profitability.

Malt Market Segmentation

The malt market is segmented by type and application, reflecting how different grains and end uses shape industry trends. Barley malt remains dominant, accounting for over 90% of global production in 2024 due to its ideal enzyme profile for brewing and distilling. Malteurop and Boortmalt process millions of metric tons of barley annually for major beer producers worldwide. Wheat malt, while smaller in share, is gaining popularity for its role in wheat beers, craft ales, and malted milk drinks. In 2024, wheat malt accounted for about 7% of total production, with Germany and the US leading usage. By application, food and beverages dominate, using around 85% of malt output for brewing beer, producing malt extracts, and making malt-based drinks. In 2024, over 20 million metric tons of malt supported global beer production, which remains the biggest single application. The bakery segment is growing steadily, using malt flour and malt extracts to add flavor, improve dough properties, and create appealing crust colors. In 2024, premium bakeries in Europe sourced over 500,000 metric tons of malt for bread and confectionery. Malt’s versatility also extends to breakfast cereals and dairy drinks. With growing demand for premium craft products and clean-label ingredients, malt suppliers are developing organic, non-GMO, and specialty malt lines to cater to new consumer expectations.

By Type

Barley Malt: Barley malt is the backbone of global malt production. In 2024, barley-based malts made up over 90% of the 24 million metric tons produced worldwide, supplying major breweries and distilleries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Wheat Malt: Wheat malt plays a key role in craft brewing and specialty foods. In 2024, around 1.5 million metric tons of wheat malt were used globally, mainly for wheat beers in Germany and the US and for malted milk drinks and cereals.

By Application

Food & Beverage: The food and beverage industry is malt’s largest application area. In 2024, brewing alone consumed over 20 million metric tons of malt, while malt-based drinks and cereals further boosted demand for high-quality malt extracts.
Bakery: The bakery sector uses malt for flavor, browning, and natural fermentation. In 2024, premium bakeries in Europe and North America used more than 500,000 metric tons of malted flour and extracts to meet rising consumer demand for artisanal bread and pastries.

Regional Outlook of the Malt Market

Regional trends in the malt market highlight how geography, brewing culture, and raw material supply shape production and demand. North America remains a major producer and consumer, with the US using over 4 million metric tons of malt in 2024, driven by both major beer brands and over 9,000 craft breweries. Europe is the heart of global malting, producing nearly 50% of the world’s malt in 2024, with France, Belgium, and Germany as key hubs for barley supply and advanced malting plants. The region’s strong beer culture and premium bakery market support stable demand. Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth, with China alone consuming over 4 million metric tons of malt in 2024 due to expanding beer production and the popularity of malt-based drinks. India’s growing craft brewery scene and premium bakery market are adding new demand streams. In the Middle East & Africa, malt demand is growing slowly but steadily as non-alcoholic malt beverages gain popularity in countries with alcohol restrictions; in 2024, the region imported nearly 500,000 metric tons of malt mainly for malt drinks and confectionery. Across all regions, sustainability certifications and supply chain traceability are becoming critical as producers respond to climate concerns and shifting consumer preferences.

North America

North America used more than 4 million metric tons of malt in 2024, with the US leading demand thanks to over 9,000 craft breweries and a steady mainstream beer market.

Europe

Europe produced nearly 50% of global malt output in 2024, with major players in France, Belgium, and Germany supplying large breweries and specialty craft operations alike.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific demand is rising fast; in 2024, China consumed over 4 million metric tons of malt, driven by expanding beer production and the growing popularity of malt-based soft drinks.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa imported around 500,000 metric tons of malt in 2024, primarily for non-alcoholic malt beverages and confectionery in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

List of Top Malt Companies

Malteurop (France)
Boortmalt (Belgium)
Cargill (USA)
Soufflet Group (France)
GrainCorp (Australia)
Rahr Corporation (USA)
Viking Malt (Finland)
Bairds Malt (UK)
Muntons (UK)
Ireks (Germany)

Malteurop (France): Malteurop is one of the world’s largest malt producers, operating more than 20 malting plants globally. In 2024, it processed millions of metric tons of barley, supplying top breweries and expanding sustainable malting projects in Europe and Asia.

Boortmalt (Belgium): Boortmalt operates in over 15 countries, producing premium malt for brewers and food manufacturers. In 2024, Boortmalt focused on expanding its specialty malt lines and invested in energy-efficient malting facilities to lower environmental impact.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the malt market is focused on sustainability, specialty products, and emerging craft beer hubs. In 2024, leading maltsters like Malteurop and Boortmalt announced new investments in energy-efficient kilning and low-emission processing, addressing carbon footprint concerns. Micro-malting plants are on the rise to meet craft brewery needs for unique malt varieties in small batches. Venture funding and partnerships are fueling expansion in Asia-Pacific, where China’s craft beer sector is creating new demand for imported and local malt. India’s emerging craft beer culture and premium bakery brands are encouraging regional players to increase malt imports and explore local sourcing. Climate change is pushing companies to invest in resilient barley and wheat varieties to secure consistent supply despite unpredictable weather. Digital traceability systems are gaining traction as big breweries demand full visibility on grain sourcing and processing. With growing interest in non-alcoholic malt drinks in the Middle East and Asia, producers see opportunities for malt extracts in soft drinks and nutritional beverages. Between 2024 and 2033, investments will focus on diversifying product lines, boosting sustainability, and strengthening supply chains to stay competitive in a market where tradition meets innovation.

New Product Development

New product development in the malt industry reflects rising demand for specialty grains, clean-label ingredients, and craft brewing innovation. In 2024, major malt producers launched new lines of organic, non-GMO, and single-origin malts to serve microbreweries and premium bakeries. Craft breweries are requesting custom kilning profiles and smoked malts to develop unique beer styles. Malt extracts with enhanced enzymatic properties are being developed for high-protein bakery goods and ready-to-drink beverages. Non-alcoholic malt drinks are growing popular in the Middle East and Asia, spurring producers to develop new malt-based formulations with added vitamins and minerals. In Europe, brands like Muntons and Viking Malt are expanding their range of caramel and roasted malts to cater to stout and porter beer segments. Sustainability is a major theme, with companies testing lower-carbon drying techniques and recyclable packaging. Digital platforms now let breweries customize malt orders and track batches back to farm origin. These innovations highlight how the industry is adapting to shifting consumer preferences for unique flavors, sustainability, and premium quality. Between 2024 and 2033, new product development will help the malt market remain competitive while serving traditional brewers and new-generation food brands.

Five Recent Developments

Malteurop expanded its malting capacity in Asia in 2024 to meet rising craft beer demand in China.
Boortmalt invested in a new carbon-neutral malting facility in Belgium in 2024 to support sustainable brewing.
Cargill launched a specialty smoked malt for craft breweries in North America in 2024.
Soufflet Group partnered with local farmers in France in 2024 to source certified low-carbon barley.
GrainCorp opened a new malting plant in India in 2024 to serve the country’s growing craft beer and bakery industries.

Report Coverage of Malt Market

This malt market report covers production, demand, key regions, and investment outlook from 2024 to 2033. It shows how global malt production exceeded 24 million metric tons in 2024, with over 90% based on barley. The report highlights brewing as the dominant application, using about 85% of total malt output in 2024. Europe remains the top producer, supplying nearly 50% of global malt and exporting to major beer markets worldwide. North America’s robust craft brewery sector consumed over 4 million metric tons in 2024, while China’s rapid beer expansion drove Asia-Pacific’s malt imports to over 4 million metric tons. The report details climate-related supply challenges and the push for sustainable sourcing and production, including carbon-neutral kilning and traceability. It explains how new product development, from organic malts to malt extracts for non-alcoholic drinks, supports diversified growth. It also covers investments in emerging markets like India, where craft beer and bakery brands create fresh demand. This comprehensive study helps stakeholders understand where malt demand, sustainability trends, and innovation investments will shape the global market through 2033.