Malt market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The malt market in Northern Europe saw its volume increase from 1 671 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 736 thousand tons in 2019. This initial growth was supported by a regulatory change in Finland, which liberalized the sale of fermented beverages with up to 5.5% alcohol in grocery stores, broadening market access for malt-based drinks and stimulating demand.

Market volume then contracted to 1 486 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 1 208 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, research interest in non-alcoholic malt drinks highlighted evolving consumer preferences and market segmentation. A strong recovery followed in 2022, with volume reaching 1 446 thousand tons, driven by increased demand for malt ingredients from key sectors like brewing, distilling, bakery, and confectionery.

In 2023, the market volume adjusted to 1 358 thousand tons, while its value rose significantly to 1 075 million US dollars, indicating a shift toward higher-value products. This period also saw major players like Viking Malt actively strengthening supply chains, and broader consumer trends emphasizing sustainability and authenticity began influencing the market landscape.

Production malt in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of malt, 2017-2020

World map of production of malt, 2017-2020

Northern Europe's malt production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 1 847 K t, representing a 14.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 158 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Northern Europe's malt production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 050 M $ US, showing a modest 6.7% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 3.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 126 M $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 10.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports malt from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Europe's malt exports totaled 518.6 K t, marking a substantial 18.5% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 23.5%, with an average annual decline of 8.5%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe's malt exports in kind were distributed across numerous countries. Japan accounted for 11.4% of exports, the United States for 6.3%, and Norway for 5.5%, with these three countries together representing only 23.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Northern Europe's malt export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 294.8 M $ US, reflecting an 11.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 10.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 334.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The structure of Northern Europe's malt exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified set of trading partners. Japan accounted for 14.8% of export value, the United States for 9.5%, and Norway for 5.0%, with these three countries together representing only 29.2% of total flows. The remaining 70.8% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports malt to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Europe imported 157.2 K t of malt, corresponding to a sharp 26.8% year-over-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 31.4%, with an average annual decline of 11.8%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The partner structure for Northern Europe's malt imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Germany accounted for 11.3% of imports, Belgium for 6.8%, and Czechia for 5.3%, with these three countries together representing only 23.5% of total import flows, and no single country holding a dominant share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Europe's malt import value reached 97.2 M $ US, showing a robust 24.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 18.3%, with an average annual decline of 6.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 129.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 20.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the period from 2017 to 2020, malt imports to Northern Europe came from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Germany, Poland, and Belgium—together accounted for only 25.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020