EU: There was no spectacular malt purchase action reported during March

There was no spectacular malt purchase action reported during March, and the large groups Inbev, Heineken, Carlsberg and SAB stayed on the sidelines. But regular business went on, altogether for good quantities, domestically and for export.

Malt prices remained stable, local prices for delivery 2008 in the range of EUR 375,- to 380,-, CPT breweries, and EUR 385,- to 390,- FOB seaport, in bulk in container for destinations abroad.

Besides there was still a fair amount of business in old crop malt for delivery in 2007 at prices in the 450,-/470,- range, depending on parity. Maltsters seem unwilling to step away from their safety policies, whereby they sell malt only against a corresponding barley cover. Malting margins range from EUR 100,- to 120,- per ton, mostly at the higher end of the range.