There is enough malted barley in the world for beer and whiskey

Analysts from RMI Analytics said in a new report that despite a reduced 2023 crop volume and variable quality, there is enough malted barley to meet the needs of beer and whiskey producers. Experts note that against the backdrop of weak demand, trade volumes will be below 2022 levels. Demand for feed barley is also projected to be lower, including due to increased supply of corn. The barley harvest in 2023 was lower by almost 10 million tons, but amid falling demand, ending stocks fell by only 2.2%. As long as demand remains low and there are no quality issues, there is sufficient supply of malt-quality barley on the market to meet the needs of brewers and distillers until the 2024 harvest, analysts say. With four years of relatively good harvests from 2019 to 2022, demand has fallen to the lower end of the ten-year range. The volume of barley exports from Europe decreased by 10% compared to the 2022 level and by 4% compared to the 2021 level. In such conditions, analysts note, ...