Malting Barley Report Europe 2017
The supply of spring brewing barley in Europe remains uncertain. In some regions barley quality suffered a lot. Concessions from the processing industry are necessary.
The qualities from France are predominantly good. Although the protein content is regionally described as high, 60 percent of spring barley is to be used as malting barley. Export possibilities for spring barley could amount to around 1.0 million t, winter barley exports to around 2.0 million t.
The United Kingdom shows a differentiated picture: whereas in England and Wales the proportion of barley suitable for brewing is uncertain because of very different qualities (high protein content, germination and pregermination), a good harvest with a protein content of 10.0 to 10.5 percent was reported in Scotland. Nevertheless, exports are expected to amount to at most 100,000 to 200,000 t. Relatively good qualities and reduced acreage were reported from the Netherlands and Denmark. Even though the acreage has been reduced, a surplus of 950,000 t characterizes the market situation in Denmark. At least 50 percent have already been sold. The harvest in Sweden was generally considered as good, with strong regional variations. Yields in the main growing areas of Finland were good, with quality problems due to rain.
The German spring barley harvest was characterized, among other things, by above-average protein contents. In some growing regions, more than 50 percent of the harvests exceed the values required by the brewing industry. According to the Baugerstengemeinschaft e.V., Munich, industry is making concessions concerning the protein values and the partially severe deficiencies of barley, which often show themselves only after storage.
The harvest in Austria was characterized by extreme drought and resulting weak yields in most regions. Thanks to the winter barley, reliable supply is reported from Hungary. The barley quality in the Czech Republic is more heterogeneous in terms of screening and protein than in previous years. High protein values between nine and 16 percent characterize the harvest. Although the supply situation is described as balanced, goods from Ukraine go to the Czech Republic. Similar quality results are available from Slovakia. Harvesting conditions for spring barley in Poland were also rather difficult. Whereas, in particular, barley from the north of the country was affected by diseases and germination, there were no problems in the South of the country.
The spring malting barley balance in Europe is seen with a deficit of 200 000 to 300 000 t. However, this deficit can be compensated by winter barley. Thus, in sum there could even arise a surplus ranging from 500 000 to 700 000 t. Brewers are currently waiting with further purchases. Nevertheless, at least around 25 to 40 percent still have to be covered according to market participants. Brewers are placing hope in the 2018 harvest. The acreage in some northern European countries will be extended due to the difficult sowing conditions of the last autumn.
