Barley Market Size – By Type, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Barley Market Size

The global barley market size was valued at USD 22.8 billion in 2024 is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 3.7% between 2025 and 2034, led by increasing demand for animal feed, barleys nutritional value makes it a crucial ingredient in livestock and poultry diets, and as global meat consumption continues to rise, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for animal feed, including barley, has grown significantly.
 

Additionally, Barley's significance in sustainable agriculture is gaining prominence. As a rotation crop, barley not only enhances soil health but also mitigates pest and disease risks. This aligns seamlessly with the global shift towards sustainable farming and environmental conservation, making barley a sought-after crop for farmers everywhere.
 

Moreover, the craft brewing sector has significantly fueled the expansion of the barley industry. As a key ingredient in beer, the rising demand for premium barley from craft brewers has bolstered sales, especially for specialty barley varieties tailored for brewing.
 

Barley Market Trends

As consumers increasingly prioritize health and nutrition, the demand for barley-based products has surged. These products are lauded for their nutritional benefits, including dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and protein. This heightened demand has led to the development of a wide array of barley-based foods, from breakfast cereals to pasta, all crafted for the health-conscious consumer. Additionally, with sustainability becoming paramount in agriculture, barley farmers are adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing water consumption, and enhancing the crop's resilience to climate challenges.
 

The global upsurge in beer and whiskey consumption has spurred a heightened demand for malt barley. This trend is particularly pronounced among craft breweries, which seek premium barley for their distinct brewing methods. Given the rising allure of artisanal and premium alcoholic drinks, the malt barley demand is poised for sustained growth.
 

Furthermore, Barley's ascent as a superfood is propelling its incorporation into health-centric food products. Items like whole barley grains, barley flour, and barley-infused snacks are resonating with health-conscious consumers. Barley's high fiber content, known to bolster digestive health and stabilize blood sugar levels, has solidified its place in functional foods and dietary supplements.
 

Barley Market Analysis

The global barley industry is on a steady growth trajectory, fueled by its diverse applications in food, beverages, and animal feed. Barley, a cereal grain, stands as one of the world's pivotal crops. Its primary applications span from malt production for beer and whiskey to serving as livestock feed and a staple in human diets, be it as whole grains, flour, or health foods. The surging global appetite for plant-based diets, coupled with barley's rising profile as a nutritious, high-fiber grain, has further propelled the market's expansion.
 

Barley is prized for its rich nutritional profile, boasting dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional value has cemented its status as a favored ingredient in health-centric diets and functional foods. Furthermore, with the global thirst for alcoholic beverages—especially craft beer and premium whiskey—on the rise, barley's pivotal role in brewing and distilling industries becomes evident.
 

Its adaptability to diverse climates and its significance as a rotation crop in sustainable farming further amplify its cultivation and market demand. Despite facing hurdles like climate change and volatile agricultural commodity prices, which can sway barley production and trade, the market is buoyed by technological advancements. Innovations such as drought-resistant barley varieties and precision farming techniques are not only addressing these challenges but also boosting productivity.
 

In 2024, malted barley was valued at USD 6.0 billion, driven by surging demand for craft beer and whiskey. Beyond its role in these beverages, malted barley is celebrated for imparting distinctive flavors, aromas, and textures, elevating the overall quality of products like beer, whiskey, and other malted drinks.
 

In 2024, beverage applications were valued at USD 9.5 billion. As craft beer gains traction, the barley market from beverage segment is poised to expand at a rate surpassing 3.8% CAGR, projected through 2034. Barley, a fundamental ingredient in beer production, has seen heightened demand as craft brewers emphasize high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, particularly malted barley. This trend has notably bolstered barley's footprint in the beverage market. Furthermore, innovations in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks—ranging from non-alcoholic beers and malted sodas to functional beverages—offer consumers refined barley-based choices, further propelling the beverage segment's growth.
 

Europe stands as the dominant force in the barley landscape, both in production and consumption. Countries like Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine lead the charge. Europe's strong brewing and distilling sectors, alongside a well-established livestock industry, underpin its robust barley demand.
 

North America, with the U.S. and Canada at the forefront, boasts a thriving malt barley market, spurred by the burgeoning craft beer scene and a rising consumer focus on health grains. Notably, North America also plays a pivotal role in global barley exports. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a barley demand surge, primarily driven by the booming beer industry in China, India, and Japan. Coupled with a growing population and increasing disposable incomes, these factors are amplifying barley's consumption in both food and feed sectors.
 

In 2024, Russia barley market was valued at USD 3.51 billion. Barley, a versatile grain, finds its way into various applications. It's not only a staple in foods such as bread, cereal, and beer for human consumption but also plays a crucial role in animal feed production. This broad spectrum of uses lends the market both stability and growth potential. Europe boasts a rich beer production tradition, with countries like Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Belgium leading the charge. Given barley's pivotal role in brewing, the surging demand for craft and specialty beers has consequently heightened the need for premium barley varieties.
 

Barley Market Share

The global barley arena is a blend of major players and regional contenders. Industry stalwarts like Cargill Inc., Malteurop Group, GrainCorp Limited, Soufflet Group, and Crisp Malting Group are at the forefront. These entities prioritize a steady supply of premium barley, forging partnerships with farmers and investing in cutting-edge agricultural techniques.
 

Competition is fierce, with players employing strategies like product innovation, geographic expansion, and vertical integration to carve out market share. A notable trend is malt producers increasingly teaming up with breweries and distilleries, tailoring their offerings to meet the specific demands for customized barley varieties.
 

Barley Market Companies

Major players operating in the barley industry are: 

• Boortmalt Group
• Bries Malt & Ingredients Co.
• Cargill
• Crisp Malting Group
• Grain Millers Inc
• GrainCorp Limited
• Malt Products Corp
• Malteurop Groupe
• Maltexco S.A.
• Muntons Plc
• Soufflet Group
   

Barley Industry News

• In May 2022, Lactalis acquired Jalna dairy foods. This acquisition is aimed to expand the yogurt portfolio of Lactalis. This acquisition is also expected to increase the geographical expansion of the company.
   

The barley market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Whole grain
• Non-whole grain
• Flakes
• Flour
• Malted

Market, By Application

• Food
• Feed
• Beverages

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa