Difficulties predicted in sourcing quality barley after weather changes

EUROPEAN brewers are predicting difficulties sourcing quality malting barley this year as crops have been hit by severe weather fluctuations, according to Kerry Ingredients and Flavours.

Severe rainfall has hit barley crops in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Russia has imposed a barley export ban after its crop fell 50% due to its most recent heatwave. US and Canadian harvests are also down.

Kerry Ingredients and Flavours EMEA beverages marketing manager Jolande de Ridder said: “Adverse weather conditions across Europe have reduced barley production. Energy costs for malting have also risen versus 2009, though still not quite at the highs of 2008, and malting capacity is not being fully utilised, especially in Europe. All of these factors have the overall effect of reducing supply volume.”