Specialty Malt Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global specialty malt market reached a value of more than USD 2.99 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.80% between 2025 and 2034, to reach a projected value of USD 4.78 Billion by 2034.

Global Specialty Malt Market Growth

The specialty malt market dynamics and trends are influenced by the variety of malt that undergo distinct steeping and kilning processes to enhance specific flavours and attributes. These malts are essential in breweries for crafting beer and whiskey with unique flavours and colours, such as crystal/caramel malt, roasted malt, and dark malt.

Global Specialty Malt Market Trends

Increasingly, there is a rising interest in malt-based beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, driven by their wide range of flavours and colours. This growing trend is particularly robust in Asian markets like China and India.

There is also a growing preference for craft beers, fuelled by the distinct flavours contributed by specialty malts. This surge in demand has prompted major producers and local brewers alike to enhance their focus on craft beer production, thereby enhancing the overall specialty malt market value.

Specialty Malt Market Opportunities

There are expanding opportunities in emerging markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, where malt-based beverages are gaining popularity thanks to evolving lifestyles and higher disposable incomes. Companies aiming to establish themselves in these regions stand to accelerate market growth substantially.

The specialty malt market demand is impacted by the growing emphasis on research and development among companies, aimed at improving the quality and introducing novel flavours of malt-based beverages. This innovation-focused approach has the potential to significantly broaden the market's reach and appeal.

Specialty Malt Industry Outlook

In 2022, EuroMalt reported that the European Union possessed a combined malting capacity of 10,107,476 tonnes. Germany emerged as the leading producer with 2,144,900 tonnes, followed by the United Kingdom and France, which produced 1,648,408 tonnes and 1,464,000 tonnes respectively, contributing to the growth of the specialty malts market.

According to OEC data, Malt was ranked as the 571st most traded product globally in 2022, with a total trade value of USD 4.75 billion. Malt exports grew by 13.1% from USD 4.2 billion to USD 4.75 billion over the previous year, constituting 0.02% of total world trade in 2022. France, Belgium, Australia, Germany, and Argentina were the leading exporters, totalling USD 2.26 billion, while Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Japan, and Vietnam were among the top importers, totalling USD 1.86 billion.

As per USDA, the European Union dominates global malt production, accounting for 34% of the market with an output of 47.7 million metric tons in 2023/2024. Russia holds the second position with 14% of the market, producing 20.5 million metric tons. Australia follows with 10.8 million metric tons, representing 8% of global production. Both Canada and Turkey contribute 6% each, producing 8.9 million and 8 million metric tons, respectively. The United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Argentina also play significant roles, with outputs of 6.96 million, 6.35 million, and 5.1 million metric tons, respectively. The United States contributes 4.03 million metric tons, or 3%, while Iran produces 3 million metric tons, making up 2% of the global market.

According to the USDA, in 2023, Canada, Honduras, and Chile emerged as the top exporters of beer. Canada led with exports valued at $54.37 million, highlighting its established role in the brewing industry and expansive global reach. Honduras followed closely with exports totalling $46.35 million, signifying its growing international demand for beer. Chile, with exports amounting to $34.96 million, demonstrated strong competitiveness and thus increasing the global specialty malt market growth.

Kirin Holdings' industry findings in 2022 reveal that global beer consumption is dominated by China, the United States, and Brazil. China maintains its leading position with a consumption of 42.03 million kilolitres, reflecting its substantial presence in global beer consumption. The United States follows with 20.37 million kilolitres, its robust beer culture and market size. Brazil ranks third, consuming 14.93 million kilolitres, highlighting its significant role in the specialty malt industry.

SWOT Analysis of the Global Specialty Malt Market

Diverse product range in the specialty malts market through a variety of flavours and colours, that caters to diverse brewing needs and enhance product differentiation.

• Specialty malts often command higher prices due to their unique characteristics, contributing higher profits for producers and enhancing specialty malt market opportunities.

High production costs in the specialty malts market are due to more intricate processing techniques, compared to standard malts.

• A significant portion of demand comes from the craft brewing sector, making the specialty malt industry vulnerable to fluctuations.

The use of specialty malts in non-alcoholic beverages like malted milk and malt-based energy drinks opens new avenues for growth.

• Growing craft beer and artisanal beverage sectors in emerging markets present opportunities for market expansion.

Climate change and adverse weather conditions impact barley yields and quality, affecting the supply of raw materials for specialty malts.

• Economic instability can reduce consumer spending on premium products like craft beer, negatively affecting demand for specialty malts.

Competitive Landscape

New entrants and smaller firms compete by offering unique and high-quality specialty malts to cater to niche markets. The specialty malt market demand forecast is influenced by the dynamic and intense competition that drives continuous improvements in product quality, sustainability practices, and customer service, fostering a dynamic and evolving market environment.

Key Players in the Global Specialty Malt Market and their Strategic Initiatives

Cargill, Inc.

• Leading global provider of food, agriculture, financial, and industrial products, and services with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Robust distribution network ensuring widespread market reach.

Malteurop Group

• Major player in the malting industry with a significant global presence.
• Emphasis on quality control and traceability from barley sourcing to malt production.

Simpsons Malt Ltd.

• Renowned for producing high-quality, traditional, and innovative malts.
• Family-owned business with a strong heritage and industry expertise.

Viking Malt

• Diverse product range including organic and specialty malts.
• Focus on integrating modern technology with traditional malting techniques.

Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.

• Extensive technical support and expertise provided to brewing customers.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement.

Global Specialty Malt Industry Segmentation

“Global Specialty Malt Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Roasted Malt
• Caramelized Malt

Market Breakup by Source

• Barely
• Wheat
• Rye
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Brewing
• Distilling
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Baking
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

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

Global Specialty Malt Market Share

Based on source, the market is segmented into barley, wheat, and rye, with barley leading due to its extensive use in crafting beers. Barley used for malting is roasted longer and at higher temperatures to achieve diverse flavours and colours. Applications are categorised into brewing, distilling, non-alcoholic beverages, and baking.

The brewing sector is anticipated to dominate, driven by the growing demand for craft beers and alcoholic beverages. The market is poised for rapid expansion as major players invest in technology to improve the distribution of high-quality malt to brewers, distillers, and the food industry.

Global Specialty Malt Market Analysis by Region

As per the specialty malt industry analysis, North America remains a crucial participant and is projected to uphold its prominent role in the foreseeable future. The region exhibits substantial consumption of malt, particularly barley malt, driven by increasing favour towards craft beers and the thriving microbrewery industry thus boosting the specialty malt industry revenue.

Meanwhile, in Asia-Pacific, there is a swift escalation in malt consumption fueled by the expanding middle-class population and rising incomes.

Specialty Malt Market Trends

Specialty Malt Companies

Specialty Malt Market Regional Analysis