Global Barley Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• January 2023: The European Commission's new Common Agricultural Policy aims to support European farmers in transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural industry and preserving the diversity of rural communities.

• April 2021: Intergrain, a leading Australian barley breeding company, teamed up with two major Australian universities to improve barley yield stability in the face of climate variability and provide innovative breeding solutions that enable the development of more productive crops.

The global barley market is diverse, segmented by type, grade, application, and geography, reflecting its widespread use across various industries. In terms of types, barley products include pearl barley, barley flour, barley flakes, barley grits, barley malt, and whole grain barley, each catering to different culinary and industrial needs. Pearl barley, for instance, is popular in soups and stews due to its chewy texture, while barley malt serves as a crucial ingredient in brewing beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Barley is graded based on quality standards, ranging from malt grade, which is vital for brewing, to standard, specialty, food grade, feed grade, pharmaceutical grade, and even cosmetic grade. These distinctions ensure that barley meets specific requirements across industries, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

In terms of applications, barley finds extensive use in alcoholic beverages like beer and whiskey, as well as in non-alcoholic beverages and various food products, contributing to its significant role in the food industry. Beyond consumption, barley is utilized in pharmaceutical supplements, animal feed, and personal care products, showcasing its versatility across different sectors.

Geographically, the global barley market is segmented into key regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Each region exhibits unique consumption patterns, production capabilities, and regulatory frameworks that influence the barley market dynamics locally and globally. These segments collectively illustrate the widespread utility and economic importance of barley in the global marketplace.

Global Barley Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Barley Market has been segmented by Type, Grade, Application and Geography.

Global Barley Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Barley Market has been segmented by Type into Pearl Barley, Barley Flour, Barley Flakes, Barley Grits, Barley Malt and Whole Grain Barley.

Among these, pearl barley stands out for its popularity in culinary applications. It undergoes a process where the outer hull and bran are removed, resulting in a polished grain that cooks relatively quickly and is prized for its tender texture. Pearl barley finds extensive use in soups, stews, and salads, contributing to its widespread appeal in the food industry.

Barley flour, another significant segment, serves as a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is derived from milling barley grains, offering a nutty flavor and denser texture to baked goods such as bread, pancakes, and cookies. This makes barley flour a preferred choice for consumers seeking gluten-free options without compromising on taste or nutritional value.

Barley flakes and grits cater to different culinary needs, with flakes being popular for breakfast cereals and granola bars due to their quick cooking time and high fiber content. Barley grits, on the other hand, are coarsely ground grains used in porridge and side dishes, prized for their slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor. These versatile forms of barley underscore its role not just in traditional cuisines but also in modern health-conscious diets, reflecting its adaptability and nutritional benefits across global markets.

Global Barley Market, Segmentation by Grade

The Global Barley Market has been segmented by Grade into Malt Grade, Standard, Speciality, Food Grade, Feed Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade and Cosmetic Grade.

Barley designated as malt grade is crucial for the brewing industry. It undergoes specific processing and quality standards to ensure it provides optimal enzymes and fermentable sugars necessary for brewing beer and whiskey. Malt grade barley is carefully cultivated and processed to meet the stringent requirements of brewers worldwide.

Standard grade barley meets basic quality standards for general food and feed purposes. It is typically used in food products such as soups, stews, and baked goods where specific malt characteristics are not required. Standard grade barley also serves as a primary ingredient in animal feed, providing essential nutrients to livestock.

Specialty grade barley includes varieties that possess unique flavor profiles, colors, or nutritional qualities. These are often sought after for niche culinary applications or specialty brewing purposes where specific attributes are desired to enhance the final product's characteristics.

Barley designated as food grade meets strict regulatory standards for human consumption. It is processed and handled under hygienic conditions to ensure safety and quality, making it suitable for a wide range of food products, including cereals, snacks, and health foods.

Feed grade barley is primarily used in animal feed formulations. It provides essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and energy to livestock, supporting their growth and overall health. Feed grade barley is cost-effective and serves as a valuable source of nutrition for various types of livestock worldwide.

Barley classified as pharmaceutical grade is processed and purified to meet stringent quality standards required for pharmaceutical applications. It is used in the production of supplements and medicinal products where purity, consistency, and safety are paramount.

Barley designated as cosmetic grade is utilized in personal care products such as skin creams, shampoos, and soaps. It may undergo specific treatments to enhance its properties for cosmetic formulations, offering benefits such as moisturization, exfoliation, or soothing properties.

Global Barley Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Barley Market has been segmented by Application into Alcoholic Beverages, Non Alcoholic Beverages, Food Industry, Pharmaceuticals (Supplements), Animal Feed and Personal Care Products.

Barley plays a pivotal role in the production of alcoholic beverages, particularly beer and whiskey. Malt grade barley is malted and brewed to extract fermentable sugars, flavors, and colors essential for brewing processes. Barley's contribution to the brewing industry underscores its importance in creating a range of beers and spirits enjoyed worldwide.

In addition to alcoholic beverages, barley is also used in non-alcoholic drinks such as barley water and barley-based health drinks. These beverages often leverage barley's nutritional content and mild flavor to provide refreshing and health-promoting options in the beverage market.

Barley is a versatile ingredient in the food industry, used in various forms such as pearl barley, barley flour, flakes, and grits. It is incorporated into soups, stews, salads, and baked goods, adding texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Barley's high fiber content and other nutrients make it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers seeking wholesome dietary options.

Barley is utilized in pharmaceutical applications, primarily in the production of dietary supplements. Barley supplements are valued for their nutritional benefits, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These supplements cater to consumers looking to enhance their overall health and well-being through natural dietary sources.

Feed grade barley is a staple in animal nutrition, providing essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to livestock. It is widely used in feed formulations for cattle, poultry, pigs, and other livestock species, supporting their growth, health, and productivity in agriculture.

Barley finds application in the personal care industry, particularly in cosmetic formulations. Barley extracts are used in skincare products for their moisturizing, soothing, and exfoliating properties. These products cater to consumers seeking natural and plant-based ingredients in their skincare routines.

Global Barley Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Barley Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Barley Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

In North America, barley production is significant, particularly in the United States and Canada. The region is a major exporter of barley, supplying both domestic markets and international markets, especially for malt production in the brewing industry. Barley is used extensively in the beer brewing process across North America, contributing to its economic importance in agriculture.

Europe has a longstanding tradition of barley cultivation and brewing, with countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom leading in barley production and malt processing. Barley in Europe is not only used for brewing beer but also finds applications in food products and animal feed. The region's stringent quality standards ensure high-quality malt for the brewing industry and premium food-grade barley for various culinary purposes.

The Asia Pacific region is a significant producer and consumer of barley, with countries like China, Australia, and Japan playing key roles in cultivation and consumption. Barley in Asia Pacific is used in both traditional and modern food preparations, including soups, porridges, and health beverages. Increasing urbanization and changing consumer preferences are driving growth in barley consumption across this region.

Barley production in the Middle East and Africa region is influenced by climatic conditions and water availability. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Sudan are major producers of barley, primarily for food and animal feed purposes. Barley consumption in the Middle East includes traditional dishes and beverages, while in Africa, it supports livestock farming and local food traditions.

In Latin America, barley cultivation is prominent in countries like Argentina and Brazil. Barley is used for brewing beer, making Latin America an important market for malt production. The region also utilizes barley in food products and animal feed, supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Barley Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Brewing industry demand
• Increasing health awareness
• Growth in craft beer market

• Expansion of livestock farming - The expansion of livestock farming presents significant opportunities and challenges within the global agricultural sector. Livestock farming, which includes the raising of cattle, poultry, pigs, and other animals, relies heavily on feed grains like barley to meet the nutritional needs of animals.

  Livestock farming expansion is driven by several factors. First, rising incomes and urbanization in developing countries lead to greater demand for animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. This drives increased production of livestock, requiring larger quantities of feed grains to sustain growth.

  Expansion of livestock farming also presents challenges. One major challenge is sustainability, as increased demand for feed grains can strain natural resources such as land and water.

Restraints:

• Climate change impacts
• Price volatility
• Competition from other grains

• Regulatory challenges - Regulatory challenges in the context of the global barley market encompass various factors that can impact production, distribution, and consumption of barley-based products worldwide.

  Barley is a globally traded commodity subject to international trade regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements. Changes in trade policies or tariffs imposed by governments can affect the flow of barley exports and imports, impacting market dynamics and pricing.

  Different countries and regions have stringent quality standards for barley intended for food, brewing, and animal feed purposes. Compliance with these standards is crucial for market access and may involve rigorous testing and certification processes, which can add to production costs and logistics challenges.

Opportunities :

• Emerging markets
• Innovation in barley-based products
• Organic and non-GMO trends

• Expansion of malt production facilities - The expansion of malt production facilities represents a significant opportunity within the global barley market, driven by increasing demand from the brewing and distilling industries. Malt, a key product derived from barley, serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of beer, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages.

  One of the main drivers for the expansion of malt production facilities is the growing consumption of beer and other malt-based beverages worldwide. This trend is particularly evident in emerging markets where rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles have spurred demand for premium and craft beers.

  Technological advancements in malt production also play a crucial role in facilitating expansion. Modern malt houses incorporate innovative processes and equipment to enhance efficiency, quality control, and sustainability.

Key players in Global Barley Market include;

• Cargill Group
• GrainCorp Limited
• Malteurop Group
• Soufflet Group
• Crisp Malting Group
• Global Malt GmbH & Co. KG
• Ireks GmbH
• Muntons plc
• Maltexco S.A.
• Grain Millers Inc
• EverGrain

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis