World: Barley consumption in 2006/07 is estimated to reach 147.7 million tonnes

World barley consumption in 2006/07 is forecast to increase by around 3%, to 147.7 million tonnes, the International Grains Council released August 24.

The forecast has been lifted by 1.1 million t since July due to higher projected feed use in the EU, Russia and Ukraine. Global feed use of barley is now forecast at a 10-year high of 100.8 million t (96.0 million), up by 1.5 million t from last month.

Consumption in the EU is projected at 50.9m. tons, up 3.0m. from 2005/06, including 39.0m. tons (35.6m.) for feed and 8.4m. tons (8.8m.) for industrial purposes (excluding malt produced for export).

A notable increase in barley consumption is expected in Spain, where last year’s very small crop resulted in an increased substitution of wheat. Industrial use in the EU is set to show a small net decline amid contracting beer markets in some member States and reported closures of malt facilities.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .