EU: No large malt stocks in the industry and analysts recommend caution in barley and malt procurements

As malt production had been cautiously adjusted to real demand, there are no large malt stocks in the malt industry. There are no barley stocks either, the H. M. Gauger GmbH analysts said in their March report.

It is hoped that the ongoing anti-covid vaccination will open up social life in Europe by spring/early summer. If true, there would be a risk that brewers’ orders for prompt malt deliveries cannot be accepted.

In any case trade and malting industry go into the next crop year with very low, partly zero stocks. It puts the whole weight of barley and malt demand on the crop of 2021.

Domestic malt sales for end 2021 and the year 2022 are negligible so far, not much more than 10% of the industry’s needs, of both long-term agreements covers and straight price contracts.

In view of bullish world markets and a tight supply picture inside the EU the situation looks precarious; barley and malt procurement requires great caution, the analysts warn.

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