World: Boortmalt announces global malting capacity adjustments

Boortmalt is adjusting its global malting capacity in response to evolving market conditions and declining demand across the brewing and distilling sectors, the company announced on its website on December 17.

Over the past two years, global beer consumption has declined following the inflationary pressures of 2023, resulting in reduced malt demand. More recently, whisky production in the UK and Ireland has also been impacted, as distillers adapt their inventory strategies to changing market dynamics, including the effects of new trade tariffs.

In this context, Boortmalt is taking measured steps to align its industrial footprint with current market needs, while continuing to deliver the high standards of quality, reliability and service expected by its customers and partners.

As part of these adjustments, the Gembloux malting plant in Belgium, which has been mothballed for the past year, will be permanently closed. In Germany, the toll-malting agreement with Cargill in Salzgitter will not be renewed, as it no longer reflects current market conditions. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Tamworth and Cavan malting plants remain mothballed, in line with previous communications. In Hungary, reduced beer demand will lead to several months of temporary production stoppage.

These decisions have been taken following careful consideration and do not affect Boortmalt’s commitment to serving its customers with continuity, reliability and consistent product quality, the company said.