Maltsters could come under pressure over the next few months, as the price of barley looks set to rise.
Brewers have joined other industry voices by admitting their concern about the impact price rises could have on their business, following the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) forecasts last week.
The CWB indicated that a spike in prices was likely as demand continues to outstrip supply.
Flooding in Canada and Australia has impacted the quality of the latest barley crops in each country.
Speaking to Reuters, CWB manager of barley marketing and sales Lorelle Selinger underlined the global extent of the problem.
"The tightness isn't just in Canada, it's everywhere," she told the news agency.
Last November, the Maltsters Association of Great Britain was unable to give full approval to any winter barley varieties for either malt or grain distilling use.
Underlining the extent of the problem, only three winter varieties were given full approval for brewing use – Pearl, Flagon and Cassata.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the brewing industry includes; Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
