World: Malt supplies dangerously tight after bad crop year 2021

EU malt exports to 3rd countries in July 2021 – May 30, 2022 were 2.7 mln vs. 2.85 mln tonnes a year ago (in grain equivalent), H. M. Gauger GmbH said in their latest report.

Malt call-offs, particularly for domestic EU markets, are so good that many maltsters are forced to ration deliveries. The reopening of hospitality has had a marvellous effect on beer business, even the Oktoberfest will take place again this year.

The large world brewers continued to cover their demand for 2023. Many local EU brewers, however, shied away from paying prices up to and beyond €800 per tonne.

Further prospects depend on the war, Ukrainian shipments via the Black Sea, world markets, and the malting barley crops. But malt supplies are dangerously tight after the bad crop year 2021, there are no offers for 2022, and many maltsters are extremely well sold for 2023, the analysts said.

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