The global malted barley flour market is valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 5.3 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 6.2%.
The primary drivers of this market's growth include increasing consumer awareness about health benefits, a rising shift towards whole grains, and the expanding demand for gluten-free products. The craft beer industry, which uses malted barley flour as a primary ingredient, is also expected to fuel the market’s growth during the forecast period.
In 2025, the market is projected to experience solid growth, driven by the increasing consumer demand for healthier food options. The USA is expected to maintain its dominance in the market, growing at a prominent CAGR of 5.5%. Meanwhile, Germany and France closely follow this rapid growth, rising at significant CAGRs of 4.2% and 4.7% respectively. Diastatic, by product type, leads the market with 65% share in 2025, while the B2B channel is expected to dominate the distribution channel with 50% of the market share.
The market holds a small but significant share within its parent markets. In the barley market, it accounts for approximately 8-10%, given its role as a processed form of barley. Within the broader flour market, the share is relatively smaller at about 2-3%, as barley flour is a niche product compared to wheat flour. In the grain-based ingredients market, malted barley flour holds around 4-5%. Its presence is more prominent in specialized markets like the brewing ingredients market, where it accounts for 10-15% due to its use in brewing and craft beer production.
With increasing consumer interest in organic, gluten-free, and healthy food products, the malted barley flour market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Companies are innovating to improve the nutritional profiles of their products, and governments are supporting the expansion of organic food sectors. The craft beer industry will likely remain a key driver of demand, and market players will continue to invest in expanding their footprint in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific.
The global malted barley flour market is segmented by product type, end use, source, distribution channel, and region. The primary product types include diastatic and non-diastatic. The end use segments include bakeries, confectioneries, flavorings, households, and others (such as animal feed, food processing, etc.).
For the source, the market is divided into organic and conventional. In terms of distribution channels, the market is segmented into b2b, b2c, hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty retail stores, e-commerce, and other retail formats. By region, it covers North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.
The Diastatic segment holds a significant share of 65% in the malted barley flour market, accounting for the majority of the product type segment due to its critical role in fermentation and brewing applications. Diastatic malt is widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly in brewing, where it enhances enzymatic activity for fermentation.
The Bakeries segment is the most lucrative end-use category, holding the largest share of 40% among all the sub-segments. This is driven by the widespread application of diastatic malt in bread, cakes, and other bakery products to improve texture and dough conditioning. The growing demand for healthier, whole-grain, and organic bakery products is further fueling this segment's growth.
The organic segment is gaining momentum due to the increasing consumer shift toward clean-label, sustainable, and health-conscious products. Organic malted barley flour is particularly popular in the bakery and snack industries, where health-conscious consumers prefer natural, chemical-free ingredients. The organic segment is expected to account for around 30% of the market share by 2025.
The B2B distribution channel is the most lucrative segment in terms of market share, with a major share driven by the food manufacturing and brewing sectors. B2B sales are crucial for industrial applications of malted barley flour, where it is used in large-scale food production and beverage manufacturing. This channel is holds 50% of the market share due to the high demand from businesses in the food and beverage industry.
Recent Trends in the Malted Barley Flour Market
Challenges in Malted Barley Flour Market
The United States stands out as a dynamic hub for malted barley flour, fueled by growing demand from the craft beer sector and a noticeable consumer shift toward wholesome and nutrient-rich baking ingredients. In Germany, the product continues to enjoy stable demand, deeply rooted in the country's brewing heritage, while also seeing uptake in organic and artisanal food segments.
France and the United Kingdom are both experiencing a gradual diversification in usage, with bakers and food processors increasingly incorporating malted barley flour into rustic bread, pastries, and health-forward offerings. Meanwhile, in Japan, rising interest in Western-style baked goods and wellness-oriented formulations has made malted barley flour a quietly expanding niche, particularly in premium and functional food categories.
The malted barley flour revenue in the USA is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2035. The USA is the largest producer and consumer of malted barley flour, with a strong presence in both the food and beverage industries. The craft beer segment, in particular, is driving the demand for diastatic malt, while increasing health-consciousness among consumers boosts the organic malt flour market.
The malted barley flour market in the UK is forecasted to rise at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035. With a longstanding tradition in brewing, the UK remains a leading producer and consumer of malted barley flour, particularly in beer production. Additionally, the demand for organic and clean-label ingredients in bakery products is rising.
The sales of malted barley flour in Germany are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2035. The country's strong brewing heritage and dominance in the European beer market continue to make it a key player in the malted barley flour market. Additionally, Germany’s increasing interest in health-conscious products and sustainable food practices is promoting demand for organic and gluten-free malted barley flour.
The revenue from malted barley flour in France is set to flourish at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2035. France, known for its rich culinary culture, has a steady demand for malted barley flour in bakeries, particularly for premium and artisanal products. The increasing focus on organic ingredients, coupled with France's expanding craft beer sector, is driving market expansion.
The malted barley flour market in Japan is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2035. Japan’s increasing interest in Western food products, particularly bakery items, has significantly contributed to the growth of malted barley flour demand. Additionally, the rising awareness of health and wellness among the Japanese population is pushing demand for organic and gluten-free alternatives.
The malted barley flour market is moderately fragmented, with several global players competing for market share. Leading suppliers such as Cargill Incorporated, GrainCorp, Malteurop Group, and Soufflet Group dominate the space, leveraging their vast supply chains and production facilities.
These companies focus on diversifying their portfolios, expanding in key growth regions, and enhancing product offerings through innovation. Key strategies include pricing flexibility, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and forming strategic partnerships to cater to the rising demand for organic, gluten-free, and clean-label products.
Company strategies often revolve around cost-effective production, advanced R&D, and market expansion. Companies are also focusing on tapping into emerging markets and enhancing their digital presence to streamline distribution. Major players are investing in organic product lines, innovating in brewing and baking applications, and improving their environmental footprints. Their competitive strategies are anchored in providing high-quality, consistent products that meet the growing demand for sustainable and health-conscious alternatives in the food industry.
Recent Malted Barley Flour Industry News
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and Ardent Mills are actively focusing on product advancements, including the development of fortified and organic malted barley flours. These innovations are driven by consumer demand for healthier, more nutritious, and functional food ingredients.
Report Attributes | Details |
---|---|
Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 2.9 billion |
Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 5.3 billion |
CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.2% |
Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
Market Analysis Parameters | Revenue in USD billions/Volume in kilotons |
By Product Type | Diastatic, Non-Diastatic |
By End Use | Bakeries, Confectioneries, Flavorings, Households and Others |
By Distribution Channel | B2B, B2C, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Retail Stores, e-Commerce, Other Retail Formats |
Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia and 40+ countries |
Key Players | Cargill Incorporated, GrainCorp, Malteurop Group, Soufflet Group, Crisp Malting Group, Global Malt Gmbh & Co. KG, IREKS Gmbh, Muntons Plc, Mirfak Pty Ltd, Delco Foods, ADM, ARDENT MILLS, Briess Malt & Ingredients, Imperial Malts Ltd., Malt Company (India) Pvt Ltd. |
Additional Attributes | Dollar sales by value, market share analysis by region, and country-wise analysis |
The market size is valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2025.
The market is forecasted to reach USD 5.3 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 6.2%.
Diastatic malt is expected to lead the market with a 65% share in 2025.
Bakeries are projected to hold a 40% share of the market in 2025.
The USA is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market with a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2035.
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