Barley Market Outlook, 2030

Barley, one of the oldest cultivated grains, remains a staple in the brewing industry, where malted barley forms a core ingredient in beer production. This segment, especially in Europe and North America, accounts for a significant share of global barley consumption, fueled by steady demand in the alcoholic beverage sector. The increasing adoption of barley in the health food sector due to its rich dietary fiber, beta-glucan content, and potential to lower cholesterol levels, thereby making it a sought-after grain in functional foods and natural health products. Furthermore, consumers’ preference for organic, clean-label, and gluten-reduced foods has bolstered the demand for specialty barley varieties.

Innovation plays a critical role in shaping this evolving market. Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of drought-resistant and nutrient-rich barley strains through genome editing techniques such as CRISPR. At the farming level, precision agriculture tools like IoT-based monitoring, drones, and AI analytics are improving crop productivity and sustainability by optimizing resource use. In processing, malt extract technologies, enzyme treatment for better yields, and automated grading systems are enhancing quality and efficiency. Additionally, the brewing industry is increasingly repurposing spent barley into high-protein ingredients for food products, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental waste. On the regulatory front, global trade policies, import quotas, and subsidy frameworks heavily influence market dynamics. For example, the European Union’s import caps on Ukrainian barley are aimed at stabilizing prices and protecting local farmers, while in the U.S., the Farm Bill continues to provide critical support to cereal producers. Moreover, genome-edited barley faces mixed regulatory acceptance depending on the region, as some countries embrace innovation while others impose strict GMO-related restrictions.

According to the research report “Global Barley Market Outlook, 2030”, the global Barley market is projected to reach market size of USD 34.50 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 27.51 Billion in 2024, growing with 3.93% CAGR by 2025-30. As global populations and income levels rise, particularly in Asia and Africa, there is a growing demand for meat, which in turn drives the need for animal feed. Barley is highly valued in livestock feed formulations due to its fiber and energy content, especially for cattle and swine. It serves as an important alternative to corn, especially in regions where corn production is either insufficient or affected by climate-related disruptions.

Countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are focusing more on barley for feed purposes, with China importing millions of tons annually to meet its animal feed demand. Barley is rich in beta-glucan, a soluble dietary fiber that helps reduce cholesterol, control blood sugar levels, and improve digestive health. As global consumers shift toward functional and wholegrain foods, the inclusion of barley in food products such as cereals, soups, snacks, and even plant-based beverages is increasing. In developed countries like the U.S., Canada, Japan, and the UK, barley is being promoted as a super grain and often used in gluten-reduced or clean-label food products. The organic food movement has also strengthened demand for organic barley, with certification becoming a strong selling point in premium health food markets. Alongside this, technological and agricultural innovations are significantly influencing barley cultivation and processing worldwide. Precision farming techniques, drought-tolerant and disease-resistant seed varieties, and advancements in post-harvest processing have enhanced barley yields and quality globally. Major exporters like Russia, Ukraine, and Australia are investing in smart farming solutions to maximize production efficiency and supply chain stability, even amidst geopolitical challenges. Sustainability is also becoming a central factor in market growth, as global food and beverage companies aim to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Spent barley grain from beer production is now being repurposed as a source of high-protein, high-fiber food ingredients in North America and Europe, contributing to the circular economy.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Malt in the Beverage Industry: One of the most significant drivers of the global barley market is the growing demand for malt, particularly from the alcoholic beverage sector. Barley is a key raw material in beer production, and with the global expansion of craft breweries, premium beer brands, and a rising young adult population in developing nations, malted barley consumption has surged. Moreover, as health-conscious consumers seek beverages made with natural ingredients, barley-based drinks and malted health beverages are also gaining traction. This trend is especially pronounced in countries with growing disposable incomes and a cultural shift toward social drinking, such as India, China, and Brazil, further fueling barley production and trade.
• Increasing Use in Animal Feed and Functional Foods: Barley is widely used as a feed grain due to its high fiber and protein content, making it an essential ingredient in livestock and poultry diets. With the global demand for meat and dairy increasing, barley’s role as a feed crop continues to strengthen. Additionally, barley’s health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, supporting digestion, and managing blood sugar have led to its incorporation into functional foods and health-conscious diets. The expanding global middle class, urbanization, and greater awareness of nutrition are encouraging the use of barley in breakfast cereals, energy bars, and plant-based food products.

Market Challenges

• Climatic Variability and Crop Yield Instability: Barley cultivation is highly dependent on favorable weather conditions. Erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, droughts, and other climate-related issues are affecting barley yields and creating uncertainty for farmers. These weather-related challenges have led to reduced production in key barley-growing regions like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe in recent years. The unpredictability of climate change threatens long-term supply chains and price stability, discouraging investments in barley farming in some regions.
• Competition from Substitute Crops: Barley often competes with other major grains such as wheat, corn, and rice for arable land. In several countries, farmers tend to prefer crops that offer higher returns, government subsidies, or more predictable yields, reducing the land allocated for barley cultivation. For instance, corn and wheat offer greater market demand and more versatile applications, attracting more cultivation support. This substitution pressure limits the expansion of barley acreage, especially in regions where agricultural land is scarce or government policies favor alternate grains.

Market Trends

• Growth in Organic and Non-GMO Barley Production:With the global shift toward organic and clean-label products, there is increasing demand for organically grown and non-GMO barley. Consumers are more mindful of food safety and environmental impact, prompting food and beverage companies to source barley that meets sustainable and organic farming standards. This trend is promoting new agricultural practices and certifications among barley producers, especially in Europe and North America, where regulatory and consumer pressures are strongest.
• Technological Advancements in Barley Breeding:Recent advancements in crop genetics and precision agriculture are driving the development of barley varieties that are more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases, while offering higher yields and better malting quality. Biotechnology and genomic research are enabling faster breeding cycles and improved traits such as shorter maturation periods or enhanced nutritional content. These innovations are crucial in helping barley farmers cope with climate challenges and market demands, ensuring better productivity and profitability.

Malted barley leads the global barley industry because of its critical role as a primary raw material in the large-scale production of alcoholic beverages, especially beer and whisky.

Malted barley holds a dominant position in the global barley industry primarily due to its indispensable role in the brewing and distilling sectors, which together account for the vast majority of barley consumption worldwide. The malting process where raw barley is germinated and dried enhances the grain’s enzymatic activity, converting its starches into fermentable sugars. This transformation is essential in the production of beer, whisky, and other malt-based beverages, making malted barley a cornerstone ingredient in these multibillion-dollar industries.

Beer production alone consumes a massive volume of malted barley, and with beer being one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages across continents from Europe and North America to Asia-Pacific and Africa the demand for malted barley remains consistently high. Additionally, the global rise in craft breweries and artisanal distilleries has further boosted demand for high-quality malted barley, often favoring specialty malts for unique flavor profiles, thereby reinforcing its market leadership. Besides alcoholic beverages, malted barley is also used in malt-based health drinks and food products, particularly in regions like South Asia, where such products are widely consumed. This expands its utility beyond just liquor, adding to its market volume. Another crucial factor behind the dominance of malted barley is its high export value. Countries like Australia, France, and Canada produce malt-grade barley specifically for export to maltsters and brewers in regions where local production is insufficient. Malted barley commands a premium over feed or food-grade barley due to its strict quality requirements such as low protein content, uniform grain size, and high germination rates which ensures profitability for producers and encourages cultivation.

Alcoholic beverage applications lead the global barley industry because barley is a primary and essential ingredient in the production of beer and distilled spirits, which dominate global grain-based beverage markets.

The alcoholic beverage application segment is the leading force in the global barley industry due to barley’s foundational role in brewing and distilling two of the most significant and long-standing uses of cereal grains in human history. Barley, especially in its malted form, is indispensable in the brewing of beer and the production of whisky, both of which collectively account for a major portion of barley consumption worldwide. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage globally, with entrenched cultural significance in Europe, rising popularity in Asia-Pacific, and growing demand in Africa and Latin America.

The production of beer relies heavily on malted barley for its fermentable sugars, flavor, color, and enzymatic properties, making it irreplaceable in the brewing process. Similarly, distilled alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka, and other spirits frequently use malted barley as a base ingredient, particularly in premium and traditional formulations. This creates sustained and high-volume demand for barley, particularly of malting quality. The expansion of global alcohol markets, fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing youth populations, particularly in emerging economies, continues to boost the consumption of barley-based beverages. Additionally, the proliferation of craft breweries and micro-distilleries in North America, Europe, and Asia has further amplified demand for specialty malted barley, with unique barley strains tailored to distinct taste profiles and branding requirements. These trends not only increase volume but also diversify demand across barley varieties and qualities. From a supply chain perspective, the alcohol beverage industry offers stable and high-margin outlets for barley producers, encouraging dedicated cultivation of malting barley in regions like Australia, Canada, and the EU.

The Brewing & Distilling industry is the leading end user in the global barley industry because it relies heavily on high-quality malted barley as a fundamental raw material for producing beer and spirits on a massive scale.

The Brewing & Distilling industry dominates as the primary end user in the global barley industry due to its intrinsic dependence on malted barley for the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer and whisky. Barley is not just a supplementary ingredient in this industry it is the foundational grain that undergoes malting, a process that activates enzymes necessary to break down starches into fermentable sugars, a crucial step in alcohol fermentation. This makes barley, particularly the malted variety, an irreplaceable commodity for breweries and distilleries around the world. The massive global scale of beer consumption is one of the most significant contributors to this dominance.

Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, with deep cultural roots and widespread popularity across regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. In parallel, the global whisky and spirits markets especially in regions like the United States, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan further add to the demand for malted barley. The rise in premiumization trends, craft brewing movements, and artisanal distilling has not only increased the quantity of barley needed but has also elevated the quality standards, driving a more specialized and value-added demand for specific barley varieties. Moreover, major beverage corporations invest heavily in supply chain integration, working directly with barley farmers and maltsters to secure consistent and high-grade supplies, further cementing the brewing and distilling industry’s critical role in the barley market. In addition, the economics of the sector play a vital role; alcoholic beverage production is a high-margin industry that provides consistent returns, making it a reliable and lucrative outlet for barley producers.

The conventional nature type leads the global barley industry because it offers higher yields, lower production costs, and greater scalability to meet the large-scale demand from the brewing, distilling, and food sectors.

Conventional barley continues to dominate the global barley industry primarily because it aligns perfectly with the industry's demand for high-volume, cost-effective, and reliable grain production. Unlike organic barley, which requires stringent cultivation practices and tends to produce lower yields, conventional barley benefits from the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced crop protection methods that enhance productivity and reduce risk for farmers. This higher yield per hectare is especially critical given the massive global demand from the brewing and distilling industries, which together account for the majority of barley consumption.

These sectors require vast, consistent quantities of barley often of specific malting grades which can be more easily and economically supplied through conventional farming. Additionally, conventional barley offers greater scalability, allowing producers to cultivate large tracts of land efficiently using mechanized farming and modern agronomic techniques. This makes it possible for major barley-producing countries like Australia, Russia, France, and Canada to maintain a strong export presence in global markets. From a pricing perspective, conventional barley is more competitively priced than its organic counterpart, making it more accessible for bulk buyers such as breweries, distilleries, food manufacturers, and animal feed processors. In developing economies, where cost sensitivity is high, conventional barley is often the only feasible option to support growing food and beverage demand. Furthermore, conventional barley benefits from robust research and development efforts, with agricultural institutions and seed companies continuously innovating to produce improved barley cultivars with better disease resistance, higher starch content, and improved malting qualities all tailored to the needs of commercial end-users.

B2B channels lead the global barley industry because the majority of barley is sold in bulk to commercial entities like breweries, distilleries, food processors, and feed manufacturers rather than directly to consumers.>

The dominance of B2B (business-to-business) channels in the global barley industry is driven by the industrial-scale nature of barley consumption, which heavily relies on bulk procurement by large commercial buyers. Barley is not a typical household product but rather a staple raw material used extensively by businesses in sectors such as brewing, distilling, food manufacturing, and animal feed production. These end users require consistent, high-volume supplies of specific barley types especially malting and feed-grade varieties which are sourced through organized procurement systems, grain traders, cooperatives, and direct contracts with farmers or exporters.

Breweries and distilleries, which account for the largest share of barley consumption, operate on tight production schedules and quality specifications, making it essential for them to rely on established B2B supply chains for timely and standardized deliveries. Similarly, food processors that use barley for cereal products, snacks, and health foods depend on bulk deliveries that are aligned with industrial processing capacities. The animal feed industry, another major barley consumer, also purchases grain in large quantities through B2B channels to maintain livestock feeding programs. These commercial buyers are not just purchasing raw barley; many demands pre-processed or malted barley, often supplied through integrated value chains involving grain processors and specialty maltsters, all within a B2B ecosystem. Furthermore, international barley trade driven by key exporters like Australia, Canada, Russia, and France is overwhelmingly structured around B2B transactions involving government agencies, grain trading corporations, and multinational beverage companies. The scale, volume, and logistics involved in transporting and storing barley further necessitate formalized B2B dealings rather than retail or consumer-focused distribution.

Europe leads the global barley industry due to its ideal agro-climatic conditions, advanced farming infrastructure, and its central role in the global malting and brewing sector.

Europe’s dominance in the global barley industry is fundamentally rooted in its highly favorable agro-climatic conditions, which provide optimal environments for barley cultivation. Countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain have temperate climates, well-distributed rainfall, and fertile soils that are ideal for both spring and winter barley varieties. These geographic advantages are complemented by centuries-old expertise in barley farming, making Europe not only the largest producer but also one of the most efficient regions in terms of yield per hectare.

Moreover, Europe’s robust agricultural policies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provide subsidies, research support, and market stability that enable farmers to maintain barley production even during times of price volatility. Beyond raw production, Europe holds a strategic position in the malting and brewing sectors key drivers of global barley demand. The continent is home to some of the world’s largest and oldest breweries and malting companies, including global giants in Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, where barley malt is a core ingredient for beer production. The cultural significance of beer and its historic ties to regional identity ensure a consistent domestic demand for high-quality malt barley. Additionally, Europe is a leading exporter of malting barley and processed malt, especially to Asia and Africa, where beer consumption is rising but domestic barley production is limited. The continent also benefits from sophisticated logistics networks, quality control systems, and traceability standards, which enhance its competitive edge in the global supply chain.

• In May 2025, GB Pant University researchers have developed UPB 1106, a six-row barley variety, following 12 years of research. The variety has received approval for cultivation across 12 Indian states. UPB 1106 delivers higher yields, enhanced disease resistance, and elevated protein content of 12.3%. The variety performs optimally in irrigated, timely sown conditions.
• In April 2025, Denmark has established a new export agreement with China that eliminates phytosanitary barriers and streamlines import procedures for Danish malting barley. The agreement enhances Denmark's agricultural trade position following China's decision to remove anti-dumping tariffs on Australian barley in August 2023. Danish exporters plan to increase their market share in China's beer industry by utilizing the stability provided by this new protocol.
• In August 2024, The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) introduced DWRB-219, a new barley variety adaptable to irrigated and limited irrigation conditions. This variety aims to improve productivity across multiple regions, with a specific focus on India's North-Western Plains Zone (NWPZ).
• In June 2024, Heineken and Vivescia, a French agricultural cooperative, have completed their first barley harvest through a regenerative agriculture model implemented under Vivescia's Transitions program. The program focuses on outcome-based farming practices to improve soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, and agricultural business development.