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

• In May 2016, Viking Malt acquired Carlsberg’s subsidiary—Danish Malting Group A/S (DMG). DMG had three malting plants (one in Denmark and two in Poland) with a combined annual capacity of 220,000 tons.
• In May 2015, GrainCorp significantly expanded the malt production capacity at its Great Western Malting facility in Pocatello, Idaho, U.S. The project would increase the capacity at Pocatello by 120,000 tons, bringing the total annual malting capacity of the facility to 220,000 tons.
• In April 2015, Malteurop launched a new line of premium quality kiln-dried specialty malts. This extended Malteurop North America’s offering to satisfy the distinctive malt needs of craft brewers throughout the region.
• In November 2014, Axereal (France) and Tereos SA (France) France’s major sugar group, entered into long-term strategic partnership to develop an innovative range of solutions for their brewery and distillery customers. This partnership enabled Axereal to add value to the malting and glucose production activities.
• In October 2013, Cargill acquired Joe White Maltings (Australia) from Glencore International (Switzerland); this provided Cargill with a global footprint in all key global barley production areas, particularly in the Australian continent.

In this report, the Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Malt Type, Packaging, Source, Form, Application, and Geography.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Malt Type

The Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Malt Type into Pale Malt, Caramel Malt, Crystal Malt, Roasted Malt, Munich Malt, and Vienna Malt.

Pale Malt
Pale malt stands as the foundation of brewing, making up over 60% of malt usage worldwide. Known for its light golden hue and subtle flavor, it is ideal for a diverse range of beer styles. Its widespread availability and balanced profile make it essential for both mass-market and craft beer producers.

Caramel Malt
With around 12% of the specialty malt market, caramel malt is prized for its ability to add rich sweetness, color, and body to beer. Frequently used in ales and darker styles, it imparts distinct caramelized flavors, enhancing mouthfeel and overall drinkability.

Crystal Malt
Crystal malt contributes roughly 10% to global specialty malt consumption. Renowned for its toffee-like aroma and sweetness, it boosts both the complexity and character of traditional beer recipes. Its controlled kilning process results in consistent flavor and deeper body.

Roasted Malt
Accounting for nearly 8% of the market, roasted malt delivers bold, dark flavors with intense aromas of chocolate and coffee. This malt type is essential in crafting stouts, porters, and other dark beer styles, where strong roasted notes are desired.

Munich Malt
Representing about 6% of specialty malt use, Munich malt is known for adding rich, malty flavor and a deep amber color to beer. It enhances mouthfeel and aroma, making it a preferred choice in lagers and malt-forward ales.

Vienna Malt
Though it holds a modest 4% share, Vienna malt plays a key role in specific beer styles like Vienna lagers. It contributes a smooth, toasty malt character and a warm orange hue, enriching both the taste and appearance of the final product.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Packaging

The Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Packaging into Bags, Sacks, and Bulk.

Bags
Bags account for around 45% of the specialty malt packaging market, widely chosen by craft and mid-sized breweries. Their lightweight design and compact form make them easy to transport and store. Additionally, bags help preserve malt freshness, offering an ideal balance of efficiency and affordability.

Sacks
With a market share of approximately 30%, sacks are a durable and reusable option commonly made of jute or polypropylene. They are preferred by larger operations for their strength and breathability. Sacks allow for better airflow while maintaining the malt’s integrity during longer storage.

Bulk
Bulk packaging comprises nearly 25% of the packaging segment and is ideal for high-volume, industrial-scale brewing. It significantly cuts down on packaging material costs and reduces environmental impact. Bulk methods are valued for supporting automated handling and streamlining logistics.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Source

The Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Source into Rye, Barley and Wheat.

Rye
Rye contributes to around 15% of the specialty malt source market, often chosen for its distinctive spicy flavor and dry finish. It brings complexity and boldness to craft brews, particularly in styles like rye IPAs and specialty ales. Rye malt is growing in popularity among brewers seeking unique profiles.

Barley
Accounting for approximately 70% of the market, barley remains the most dominant and versatile source for specialty malt. Its high enzymatic activity and adaptable nature make it the ideal grain for creating a wide range of malts, from pale to roasted, catering to virtually all beer types.

Wheat
Wheat holds a steady 15% share in the source-based segmentation of specialty malts. Known for its ability to enhance foam retention and mouthfeel, wheat malt is a favorite in brewing wheat beers and Belgian-style ales. It imparts a creamy texture and supports a hazy beer appearance.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Form

The Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Form into Liquid Specialty Malts and Dry Specialty Malts.

Liquid Specialty Malts
Liquid specialty malts account for roughly 35% of the form segmentation in the specialty malt market. These malts are favored for their easy solubility, precision in flavor addition, and compatibility with small-scale brewing setups. Brewers often use them to introduce unique aroma, color, and sweetness profiles without extensive processing.

Dry Specialty Malts
With a commanding 65% share, dry specialty malts are the go-to choice for commercial-scale breweries due to their extended shelf life and cost efficiency. Their concentrated form and consistency ensure reliable flavor delivery and batch-to-batch uniformity, making them a staple in mass production.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Application

The Specialty Malt Market has been segmented by Application into Brewing, Distilling, Non-Alcoholic Malt beverages and Baking.

Brewing
Brewing represents the dominant use case in the specialty malt market, capturing around 65% of the total application share. Specialty malts are integral in crafting distinctive flavors, colors, and body in a variety of beers, especially in the craft and premium brewing sector. Their growing role in differentiating beer styles fuels consistent demand.

Distilling
Accounting for roughly 15% of the market, distilling leverages specialty malts to infuse spirits like whiskey with deeper aromas and mouthfeel. As demand for flavored and artisanal spirits rises, the use of specialty malts in distilleries continues to expand steadily.

Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages
Non-alcoholic malt beverages make up approximately 10% of the application segment. These malts enhance taste, texture, and nutritional value in health-focused drinks and soft beverages. With consumers shifting toward healthier lifestyles, this segment is experiencing noticeable growth.

Baking
Comprising around 10% of the specialty malt market, baking applications benefit from malts that improve sweetness, crust quality, and moisture retention. Used in products like bread, pastries, and cookies, specialty malts contribute both to enhanced flavor and nutritional enrichment.

Specialty Malt Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

Specialty Malt Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America captures about 30% of the specialty malt market, driven by a thriving craft beer movement and well-established brewing facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Continuous experimentation with flavors and beer styles keeps specialty malt in high demand across the region.

Europe
With an estimated 35% share, Europe stands as the leading region in the global specialty malt market. Its long-standing traditions in beer brewing, particularly in countries like Germany and the UK, boost consistent usage of premium malts in both craft and commercial production.

Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region holds around 20% of the market and shows the highest growth potential. Countries like China, India, and Japan are seeing a surge in breweries, fueled by increasing urbanization and demand for diverse malt-based products.

Middle East and Africa
Representing nearly 8%, the Middle East and Africa region is gaining traction through its demand for non-alcoholic malt beverages and baked products. Cultural limitations on alcohol are offset by increasing urban consumption and the growth of health-focused alternatives.

Latin America
Latin America accounts for about 7% of the global market. With a budding craft brewing ecosystem in nations such as Brazil and Mexico, the region is gradually becoming a lucrative area for specialty malt producers, especially in premium segments.

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

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Craft Beer
• Flavor Innovation

• Health Trends : Health trends significantly influence the Global Specialty Malt Market, as consumers increasingly seek natural and nutritious ingredients in their food and beverages. Specialty malts, known for their rich nutritional profile, cater to this demand by offering vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Barley malt, a common base for specialty malts, is particularly valued for its high fiber content, which supports digestive health. As health-conscious consumers prioritize ingredients that contribute to overall well-being, the demand for specialty malts in products like health bars, cereals, and functional beverages continues to rise.

  The growing interest in clean label products also drives the specialty malt market. Consumers today prefer products with minimal processing and recognizable ingredients, and specialty malts align perfectly with this trend. Specialty malts are often produced through traditional malting processes without the need for artificial additives or preservatives, making them an attractive choice for clean label products. This trend is evident in the increasing use of specialty malts in the production of organic and natural foods, where their inherent qualities enhance flavor, color, and nutritional value naturally.

  Specialty malts are gaining traction in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, where health trends are particularly prominent. Non-alcoholic malt beverages, which offer the benefits of malt without the effects of alcohol, are becoming popular among health-conscious consumers. These beverages are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks. The use of specialty malts in such products not only provides a unique taste but also taps into the growing market of consumers seeking healthier lifestyle choices. This intersection of health trends and the versatile applications of specialty malts is driving innovation and growth in the global specialty malt market.

Restraints

• Limited availability
• High costs

• Quality variability : The Global Specialty Malt Market exhibits notable variability in quality across different regions and types of malt products. Quality standards in specialty malts can vary significantly due to several factors, including raw material sourcing, production processes, and regional brewing traditions. In North America and Europe, where the craft brewing industry is well-established, there is a strong emphasis on consistent quality and flavor profiles. Maltsters in these regions often adhere to stringent production standards and utilize advanced technology to ensure the desired characteristics in their malts, catering to the discerning preferences of craft brewers.

  In Asia Pacific, the quality variability in specialty malts reflects the region's diverse brewing landscape and varying levels of technological adoption. Countries like Japan and South Korea are known for their meticulous approach to brewing and malt production, resulting in high-quality specialty malts that cater to both traditional and innovative brewing practices. On the other hand, emerging markets in Southeast Asia may experience more variability in quality due to factors such as infrastructure limitations and varying levels of technical expertise among malt producers.

  In the Middle East and Africa, as well as Latin America, the quality of specialty malts can vary depending on local brewing traditions, access to raw materials, and technological advancements. These regions are increasingly adopting specialty malts to meet growing consumer demand for premium beverages, but the maturity of their malt production industries may result in some variability in product quality. Overall, while global standards for specialty malts continue to evolve, ensuring consistent quality remains a priority for both malt producers and brewers aiming to deliver distinctive flavors and experiences to consumers worldwide.

Opportunities

• Craft Beer
• Health Consciousness

• Product Innovation : Product innovation in the Global Specialty Malt Market is a key driver of growth, characterized by ongoing advancements aimed at enhancing flavor profiles, improving brewing efficiency, and expanding application possibilities. Manufacturers and researchers are continually developing new malt varieties and refining production techniques to meet evolving consumer preferences and industry demands. Innovations in malt processing have led to the creation of specialty malts with unique characteristics such as specific flavors, colors, and aromas, catering to the diverse needs of brewers, distillers, and food manufacturers worldwide.

  One significant area of innovation lies in the development of malt varieties optimized for specific brewing techniques and beverage styles. For instance, malt producers are focusing on creating malts that deliver consistent and distinctive flavors essential for craft beers, whiskies, and other spirits. Innovations also target improving the functional properties of specialty malts, such as their solubility, enzymatic activity, and stability during brewing processes. These advancements not only enhance product quality but also contribute to operational efficiencies for breweries and distilleries.

  Product innovation in the specialty malt market extends beyond alcoholic beverages to include non-alcoholic applications in the food industry. Specialty malts are increasingly being used in baking, confectionery, and breakfast cereals to impart natural sweetness, enhance texture, and add nutritional value. Innovations in malt-based food products are driven by consumer demand for healthier, natural ingredients and the versatility of malt in providing unique sensory experiences. As a result, ongoing research and development efforts continue to push the boundaries of what specialty malts can offer, positioning the market for sustained growth and diversification in the years to come.

Key players in Global Specialty Malt Market include:

• Cargill (US)
• Malteurop Groupe (France)
• GrainCorp Ltd. (Australia)
• Soufflet Group (France)
• Axereal Group (France)

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