EU: Maltsters lack stocks to satisfy the unexpected beer boom of World Cup

The soccer world cup and excellent summer weather have created an unexpected beer boom, especially in Germany and the U.K., but even far away and uninvolved countries like Thailand and China talk of a link between soccer and good beer sales.

There will hardly be a long term effect on the beer consumption in the world, however, maltsters enjoy very good call-offs and new sales for this summer.

As reports earlier said, EU maltsters had closed capacities and reduced production in some plants during winter and spring, now many of them lack stocks and capacities to satisfy the demand. Export business and further demand have also been substantial, Africa, Thailand and Venezuela purchased additional malt for 2006.

The situation is further complicated by a long interruption of two factories' production in Hungary, leading to a loss of approx. 90,000 tons of malt stocks for 2006 in Southeast Europe. Last, not least, malting barley of crop 2005 is extremely scarce and expensive.