Barley Market (2026 - 2033)

Barley Market Summary

The global barley market size was estimated at USD 151.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 155.2 billion in 2026 to USD 196.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2026 to 2033. Europe dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 60% in 2025. The growth of the market for barley is majorly driven by factors such as the growing usage of barley in the brewing and distilling industry, paired with rising demand for malted barley in several food and beverage applications. 

High consumption of alcoholic beverages, including craft beer and premium spirits, is expected to promote market growth. Barley is used for malt production, which is a key ingredient in beer and alcoholic beverages. This growth fuels the demand for barley in the food and beverage sector. Barley is the major crop used in the feed of animals, including poultry, pigs, and cattle, and its cultivation worldwide plays an important role in livestock production. The demand for meat and dairy products, particularly in developing countries, has been increasing due to population growth and rising incomes. This trend drives the demand for barley as a feed grain. According to the USDA, close to 70% of barley traded is used primarily in the feed industry, with the least used for human food. Switzerland-based Syngenta offers a hybrid feed barley variety colossus in the UK market. The hybrid variety enhances the performance of the barley grain.

The combination of starch and protein barley provides a balanced nutrient profile for animals. This makes barley an attractive choice for formulating animal diets, as it offers both energy and protein to support growth, milk production, and overall animal health. Moreover, the relatively high energy density of barley enables efficient feed utilization by livestock, promoting optimal performance and productivity. In addition, Barley's adaptability to diverse pedo-climatic conditions further enhances its value as a feed ingredient. It can be successfully grown in regions where other cereal crops may face challenges, thereby expanding its feed grain availability.

Market Dynamics

Analyst Perspective

Supported by strong demand from the animal feed, malting, and food processing industries, barley market is expected to grow consistently over the coming years. Rising consumption of livestock products and the continued use of barley in beer and malt production. Growing consumer demand for healthy and fiber-rich grains is also encouraging the use of barley in functional foods and beverages. Additionally, emerging opportunities in sustainable agriculture and biofuel applications are expected to support long-term market growth despite challenges such as trade uncertainties and fluctuations in brewing demand.

Type Insights

In 2025, the malted barley segment held the largest share, accounting for approximately 60.0% of revenue. The rise in artisanal beverages and craft beverages is favoring the growth of the market for barley. Factors such as rising demand for beverages such as craft beer and whiskey, coupled with the enhancement of texture and flavor provided by malted barley, are driving the demand in the segment. Additionally, growing demand for health and functional beverages is also expected to drive the demand. For instance, in 2024, REBEL, a functional beverage company introduce its 26g Protein Shakes made from upcycled barley. 

The whole-grain barley segment is expected to post the fastest CAGR of over 4.0% during the forecast period. Increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with whole grains has led to a growing demand for whole-grain products, including barley. Whole grain barley retains all parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consumers seeking nutritious, wholesome food options prefer whole-grain barley because it supports digestive health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and promotes overall well-being.

Application Insights

The beverage segment held the largest share, over 58.0%, of revenue in 2025. The rise in artisanal beverages and craft beverages is favoring the growth of the market for barley. Manufacturers are adopting the use of both traditional breeding methods and innovative technologies, such as the production of hybrid barley varieties, enhanced malting traits, and genomic tools to produce the ideal barley required for beverages. For instance, hybrid varieties produced through controlled crossbreeding have improved yield potential, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stresses. These hybrids can offer enhanced performance and higher yields, thereby increasing barley availability for beverage production.

The food segment is expected to showcase the fastest CAGR of approximately 4.0% during the forecast period. The rise in plant-based diets, coupled with the growing demand for natural and clean-label foods, has contributed to the demand for barley in the food industry. Barley can be used as a plant-based ingredient in various food products, including plant-based meat alternatives, soups, stews, salads, and baked goods. 

Distribution Channel Insights

The distribution channel segment is bifurcated into the food & beverage industry and the retail segment. The food & beverage segment accounted for the largest revenue share, approximately 80.0%, in 2025. The growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing number of individuals opting for vegetarian or vegan meals have driven the demand for barley in the food & beverage industry. Barley is a valuable ingredient in vegetarian and plant-based dishes, providing a substantial filling component. It can be utilized in plant-based protein bowls, veggie burgers, grain-based salads, and other meatless alternatives, providing texture, flavor, and nutritional value.

The retail segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.5% during the forecast period. The rising demand for gluten-free and plant-based diets is fueling the demand for barley-based food and beverages. Several retailers are offering a variety of gluten-free and plant-based barley options.

Regional Insights

North America is expected to witness a CAGR of over 3.0% during the forecast period, owing to the high demand for barley in the feed industry in the United States. Barley is widely used as a feed grain for various livestock, including cattle, poultry, and pigs. The increasing demand for meat and dairy products, coupled with the livestock industry growth, has contributed to the need for barley as a feed ingredient.

Europe Barley Market Trends

TheEurope market held a dominant revenue share of approximately 60.0% in 2025. The popularity of craft beer and artisanal spirits has been on the rise in the region. The expansion of microbreweries, brewpubs, and small-scale distilleries has fueled the need for barley to meet the growing demand for unique and high-quality beverages.

The Germany’s market is expected to showcase a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The rise in the number of craft breweries and the presence of new players in the country is driving the demand for the market in the country.

Key Barley Company Insights

The global barley market is characterized by intense competition, largely due to the presence of several players. Various companies have launched innovative products to cater to consumer demand.

Key Barley Companies

The following key companies have been profiled for this study on the barley market.

• Soufflet Group

• GrainCorp Limited

• Cargill

• Boortmalt Group

• Malteurop Groupe

• Crisp Malting Group

• Muntons Plc

• Maltexco S.A.

• Grain Millers Inc

• Malt Products Corp

• Bries Malt & Ingredients Co.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, REBEL functional beverage company launched its 26g protein shake made from upcycled barley. The company claims the beverage is an eco-friendly and Non-GMO protein shake for health and environmental conscious consumers.

• In July 2025, Armored Fresh and Pureture announced to launch a line of new products including yeast-based casein, barley-derived coffee, and clean-label, complete plant proteins. The barley brew coffee will be available under the brand functional food JustAlt. 

Barley Market Report Scope

Global Barley Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global barley market report based on type, application, distribution channel, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Whole grain

  • Non-whole grain

  • Flakes

  • Flour

  • Malted

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Food

  • Feed

  • Beverages

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Food & Beverage Industry

  • Retail

    • Online

    • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia & New Zealand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Argentina

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Turkey

    • Kazakhstan