EU: EU malt industry trapped in crisis

EU Maltsters realize that their industry is stuck in a deep crisis. Analysts believe, that malsters realize that Eastern Europe and the Mercosur countries can produce barley and malt of good quality at lower prices, they know that globalisation cannot be stopped.

Therefore it was expected that new mergers, closures or other constructive steps would be announced at the recent gathering of the world's industry, the "drinktec" of Munich. But almost nothing happened.

Heineken admitted that their 30,000 tons malthouse at Sevilla would be shut, in connection with the transfer of the brewery out of the inner city. Rumours made the round that following the closure of Cargill's Jefferson Junction malthouse more capacities would be shut down in the U.S. and Canada.