The malting barley market could be set to grow over the coming months as demand for the crop begins to rise, it has been claimed.
Many farmers stopped growing the crop last autumn after the global brewing industry was heavily hit by the economic crisis but the crop could soon be in demand domestically and internationally.
Stuart Shand, sales director of grain, seed and fertiliser merchant Gleadell, expressed his belief that crop failures abroad will encourage countries to import more British barley.
He told fwi.co.uk: "The malting barley crop is reported to have been hard hit in Russia and we expect a lot of European barley could go there. But they are still full of old crop so deliveries won't begin until early 2011."
Mr Shand also noted how Sweden and Denmark could require more malting barley after the two countries were hit by torrential rain last month – affecting the quality of domestic crops.
"Unless we see a reverse in trends, the market will have a tight feel for the foreseeable future. That's bad news for brewers and consumers, but good news for farmers and maltsters," he added.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the brewing industry includes; conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
