Aussie barley targets new African market

Ethiopia has a rich brewing history. THE AUSTRALIAN malt barley industry is setting its sights on developing links with Africa in a bid to widen its network of customers. A particular focus will be the Horn of Africa nation of Ethiopia. While the average Australian beer drinker is unlikely to know it Ethiopia, a predominately Christian nation, has a rich history of brewing, with barley one of the major staple crops grown, especially in the highland regions. Per capita consumption sits at 11.5 litres, with fiercely loyal attachment to brands such as Harar, Bedele and St George. Light lager styles are generally most popular, but there is also a significant amount of stout, such as the Hakim brand, consumed. The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) recently held a webinar for Ethiopian maltsters and brewers in collaboration with Barley Australia, Grain Trade Australia (GTA) and Grains Australia to demonstrate the end use qualities of Australian barley, along with ...