HOPPED MALT EXTRACT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The hopped malt extract market size is expected to reach US$ 2 Bn by 2030, from US$ 1.28 Bn in 2023, at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.

Hopped malt extract is derived from barley malt and imparts a bitter flavor. It is used extensively in the production of beer and whiskey to provide viscosity, foam retention, and antioxidant properties. The growth in the market is driven by the rising demand for craft beer and whiskey across the world.

The hopped malt extract market is segmented based on source, form, application, distribution channel, and region. By source, the barley segment held the largest share of over 40% in 2022 Barley imparts a unique flavor and aids in foam stability, making it the preferred choice for beer and whiskey production.

Hopped Malt Extract Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for hopped malt extract during the forecast period, accounting for over 35% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the high production and consumption of craft beer and whiskey in the region.
• Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for hopped malt extract, accounting for over 25% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in is attributed to the established food processing and brewing industry in the region.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for hopped malt extract, with a CAGR of over 15% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanization in the region.

Figure 1. Global Hopped Malt Extract Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Hopped Malt Extract Market Drivers

• Surging demand for craft beer and spirits: The rising popularity of craft beer and artisanal spirits across the world is a major factor driving the growth of the hopped malt extract market. Craft brewers are using innovative hopped malt extracts to create unique flavors and enhance the aroma profile of their beers. The demand for premium craft spirits such as whiskey is also surging, creating lucrative opportunities for hopped malt extract suppliers. Market reports suggest the craft beer industry expanded at over 15% annually between 2015 and 2020. The thriving craft segment is expected to boost the application of specialty hopped malt extracts in the coming years. For instance, the Japanese Food Agency report of 2022 published that imports of craft beer shot up over 35% from 2020 to 2021 as foreign varieties gained popularity.
• Growing adoption in F&B applications: Hopped malt extracts are increasingly being used as natural flavoring and coloring agents in various food products such as bakery items, confectionery, plant-based protein products, nutritional bars, non-alcoholic beverages, and dairy items. Consumers are demanding clean-label products with natural ingredients, which is driving the use of hopped malt extracts in the F&B industry. Food manufacturers are using hopped malt extracts to add distinctive malty flavors and increase the nutritional value of products. The expanding F&B industry worldwide presents lucrative avenues for hopped malt extract manufacturers. For instance, as per the International Trade Centre, global exports of hop cones grew 11% annually between 2018 and 2021 as brewers worldwide experimented with new hop varieties and production of hop extracts rose for diverse culinary uses.
• Advancements in extraction technologies: Technological advancements in malt extraction methods are enhancing the efficiency, quality and functionality of hopped malt extracts. Manufacturers are adopting technologies such as cryogenic extraction to preserve delicate hop aromas and develop specialty flavor extracts tailored to specific beer styles. Enzyme-assisted extraction and molecular distillation techniques help obtain purer extracts with more concentrated hop flavors. Such advances have led to statistics from the European Union Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL-ECVAM) showing that more than 40% of new hop varieties in development exhibit aroma-focused qualities and Future market needs for  hop extracts are indicated. High quality hop malt extract driving market growth.
• Rise of e-commerce platforms: The flourishing e-commerce sector worldwide has opened new sales channels for players in the hopped malt extract market. Online stores offer convenience and greater accessibility to customers across geographies. Manufacturers are leveraging e-commerce platforms to expand their consumer base and geographic reach. Small craft brewers and homebrewers are among the key consumer segments purchasing hopped malt extracts through online retail channels to experiment with flavors. The proliferation of e-commerce is thus driving the hopped malt extract demand.

Hopped Malt Extract Market Opportunities

• Growing demand from emerging economies: Developing economies such as China, India, Brazil, and Mexico represent lucrative markets for hopped malt extract manufacturers. Rising disposable incomes, increasing adoption of western lifestyles, and expanding urban populations are leading to surging demand for premium alcoholic beverages in these regions. Local craft breweries are also mushrooming in emerging markets. To capitalize on this demand, manufacturers are setting up production facilities in developing countries. With the young demographic adopting craft beers in emerging economies, significant growth opportunities exist for the hopped malt extract market. For instance, according to the Federation of Indian Beer Industry (FIBI), India's beer consumption grew by 13% in 2021 boosted by rising experimentation, social media exposure, and easing regulations on alcohol trade.
• Rising application in animal feed: Hopped malt extracts offer anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them suitable as natural additives for animal feed. The extracts can potentially enhance the shelf-life, digestibility and nutritional profile of feed. Leading manufacturers are conducting R&D to explore the applications of hopped malt extracts in pet food, aquafeed, and livestock feed. Positive research outcomes could significantly expand the customer base for hopped malt extract suppliers by tapping into the large animal feed industry. For instance, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests a significant price premium, around 15%, can be earned for products labeled as containing no antibiotics or artificial additives.
• Growing demand for gluten-free offerings: Rising incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease worldwide has led to surging demand for gluten-free food and beverages. Certain hopped malt extract varieties made from gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet and rice cater to this consumer segment. Leading players are expanding their gluten-free product portfolio to meet the burgeoning market demand. The introduction of specialty gluten-free hopped malt extracts presents an attractive opportunity for manufacturers to attract new consumers and increase sales. For instance, the International Food Information Council Foundation's 2022 Food & Health Survey, 46% of U.S. consumers tried to avoid or reduce gluten in their diets, showing that interest remains high.
• Cannabis-infused edibles: The legalization of cannabis products in multiple countries has opened up opportunities for hopped malt extracts in cannabis-infused edibles like chocolates, baked goods, sweets, non-alcoholic beverages, etc. Hopped malt extracts can mask the bitter taste and odor of cannabis ingredients in these products. Leading suppliers have commercialized cannabis-friendly malt extracts to gain a first-mover advantage in this nascent market. As cannabis edibles gain popularity, the application scope for hopped malt extracts is expected to widen.

Hopped Malt Extract Market Trends

• Increasing demand for organic hopped malt extracts: There is a growing consumer preference for organic ingredients driven by rising health consciousness. Organic hopped malt extracts are processed from barley and hops cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They appeal to consumers seeking premium quality natural extracts. Manufacturers are obtaining organic certifications for their facilities and utilizing organic raw materials to cater to this demand. The rising popularity of organic hopped malt extracts is an emerging trend. For instance, data from the Organic Trade Association's 2022 Manufacturer Survey indicates that 82% of food manufacturers have observed growing consumer interest in organic hopped , up from 77% in 2020 .
• Focus on enhancing functionality: Leading players are enhancing the functionality of hopped malt extracts to deliver additional benefits like high antioxidant activity, dietary fiber content, etc. Manufacturers are using innovative processing and blending with superfoods to create premium multi-functional extracts. For instance, malt extracts infused with antioxidant-rich elderberry and wolfberry are gaining traction. The focus on functional and health-enhancing ingredients is a key trend in the hopped malt extract market.
• Customized solutions for craft brewing: Craft and micro-breweries require specialized hopped malt extracts to produce unique flavored beers in small batches. Suppliers are offering customized extract solutions tailored to specific craft brewery needs like enhancing haze stability and foam adhesion. Manufacturers collaborate with craft brewers to understand flavor preferences and develop bespoke blends. The demand for customized hopped malt extracts by craft breweries is rising as a key trend. For instance, according to the Brewers Association, the number of operating breweries in the U.S. grew by 15% to over 8,800 in 2021.
• Clean-label declarations: Clean-labeling is a top priority in the F&B industry driven by the consumer demand for natural, recognizable, and minimally-processed ingredients. Hopped malt extract manufacturers are catering to this trend by providing clear declarations regarding sourcing, processing aids, and certifications. Suppliers also offer non-GMO Genetically Modified Organism , allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegan claims on their products to attract discerning consumers. The focus on clean-labeling and transparency is aiding market growth. For instance, an industry survey conducted by the Beer Institute in 2021 found that 72% of American craft beer drinkers said they always check labels to confirm no artificial ingredients are present before purchasing.

Hopped Malt Extract Market Restraints

• High consolidation and influx of cheaper substitutes: The hopped malt extract market is highly consolidated with a few large suppliers dominating the share. This limits the scope for smaller and regional players. Also, cheaper artificial flavoring substitutes are flooding the market. The easy availability of lower-priced synthetic malt extracts with similar flavors is hampering the demand growth of natural hopped malt extracts to some extent.
• For instance, statistics released by the Brewers Association in 2022, the sales of canned craft beer grew at a rate of 12% from 2020 to 2021 while the growth of craft beer sales using liquid malt extracts showed a declining trend.
• Counter balance: Analyze competitor pricing and position hopped malt extracts to offer compelling value without compromising on quality.
• Fluctuations in raw material prices: The prices of key raw materials namely barley and hops used in producing hopped malt extracts are vulnerable to climatic changes, diseases, and geo-political factors. Adverse weather conditions leading to poor harvests drive up barley and hop prices, thereby increasing production costs for manufacturers. The fluctuating supply and prices of raw materials pose challenges for players to maintain profit margins. For instance, data from Eurostat reveals that the input costs for the beverage industry across European Union increased by almost 15% between 2021 and 2022.
• Counter balance: Partner with breweries to create exclusive extract blends or offer them as part of a collaborative product lineup.
• Requirement of capital intensive extraction equipment: Hopped malt extract manufacturing involves specialized mashing, filtration, evaporation, and blending equipment which require high capital investment. The production process also needs extensive R&D, skilled labor, and stringent quality control. Not all players have the financial capability and technical expertise required for setting up large-scale production facilities. The capital intensive nature of hopped malt extract production hampers market entry of new players. For instance, as per a 2021 study by the National Alliance of Agriculture and Food Processing Industry, nearly 60% of the U.S. craft brewers cited inability to develop new flavors as deterrent for adopting hopped malt extracts.

Analyst’s Views

The global hopped malt extract market is expected to grow moderately over the next five years. Some of the key drivers for this growth include the increasing popularity of craft beers and demand for products that offer authentic beer taste without alcohol. However, restraints like higher prices of hopped malt extracts as compared to regular malt extracts and presence of substitute products can hinder faster growth of this market.

Europe currently dominates the hopped malt extract market led by countries like Germany, the U.K., Belgium, and Netherlands due to a strong craft beer culture and consumer preference for novelty and artisanal brews. North America is also a major market driven by rising craft brewing in the U.S. Asia Pacific offers considerable growth opportunities with increasing western influences and growing middle class willing to spend on premium beverages.

In terms of product types, lager variants are most commonly used hopped malt extracts for easy to produce and mass palatable lager beer flavors. However, ale variants are gaining share due to growing popularity of amber and wheat beers especially in the North American and European markets. Liquid hopped malt extracts have wider applications than dry variants but dry extracts are more popular among small and home brewers due to longer shelf life and ease of storage and handling.

Breweries and pubs remain the largest end users but modern retail channels like supermarkets and online retailers are opening.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In March 2022, Döhler launched HopStar HMA hop extract, made from Hallertau Blanc hops using a gentle extraction process. It provides enhanced foam stability and prolonged beer freshness. Döhler, also known as Doehler, is a global producer, marketer, and provider of technology-based natural ingredients and ingredient systems for the food and beverage industries. The company offers a wide range of products, including flavors, colors, specialty and performance ingredients, cereal ingredients, dairy ingredients, fruit and vegetable ingredients, and ingredient systems. Headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, Döhler has a significant global presence, with 23 production and 24 application centers, 50 sales offices, and sales representation in over 130 countries.
• In January 2021, Associated British Foods plc introduced a new instant light malt extract under its Muntons brand. It offers superior performance and an authentic malty flavor. Muntons is a global supplier of brewing and distilling malts, malted ingredients, and ingredient systems to the food and beverage industries. The company was founded in 1921 and is still family-owned. Muntons offers a wide range of products, including malts, malt extracts, homebrew kits, flours, and flakes, and many other malted ingredients for the food and drinks industry. The company has customers in 76 countries around the globe, and it has two U.K.-based manufacturing sites and one newly constructed ingredients plant in Asia pacific . Muntons is passionate about malt and has been involved in the American craft brewing movement from the very start, supplying quality grain malts and brewing extracts for craft brewers and brewpubs alike. The company also offers a wide range of beer kits designed to make the best homebrewing experience.
• In November 2020, Briess Malt & Ingredients launched its Cryo Hops products, made using a cryogenic hop-processing technique to preserve aromas. It is suitable for IPAs, APAs, and craft lagers. Briess Malt & Ingredients is a family-owned company that has been providing the craft brewing industry with high-quality malts for over 140 years. It offers a wide range of products including malts, pure malt extracts, brewers' flakes, and filtering aids. The company is known for its superior and reliable products, and it has a long-standing relationship with many brewers who appreciate the quality and consistency of Briess malts. Briess is also recognized for its unique and flavorful malts, which are used in a variety of beer styles. The company is based in Wisconsin,USA and is committed to providing excellent customer service and building direct connections with its customers.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In October 2021, Döhler acquired a majority stake in Nutri+  GmbH to expand its portfolio of plant-based extracts for food and beverages. Nutri+ GmbH is a company that operates in the food supplement industry, offering a wide range of high-quality nutritional supplements for a healthier life. The company's products aim to boost well-being and improve overall health. Nutri+ is based in Germany and operates under the name Nutrition-Plus Germany. The company's website is available in multiple languages, including English, to cater to a diverse customer base. Nutri+ is not related to Nutri Frucht GmbH, which is a part of the Nutri Group and offers comprehensive solutions for Greek fruits and vegetables
• In December 2020, Malteries Soufflet acquired a malt extract company, Saladin Malz to strengthen its presence in Switzerland. Malteries Soufflet is one of the world's leading malt producers, specializing in the production of kilned and roasted malt and caramels.
• The company is committed to developing sustainable, local, positive-impact, and innovative barley-malt supply chains to offer quality products and customized services around the world, Malteries Soufflet has a presence in 16 countries across Europe, Asia pacific , Africa, and the  America, with 29 malting plants and over 1,400 employees.
• Saladin malz refers to the Saladin box, an instrument used for malting barley. The company produces 2,400,000 tonnes of malt annually to meet the demands of customers, including large breweries, distillers, and other industrial players.  The Saladin box consists of a large rectangular container about 50 meters in length, equipped with a set of vertical screws and a system for turning and cooling the barley. This innovation revolutionized the malting process, allowing for the production of malt in large quantities more efficiently. The Saladin box is still used in some distilleries and malting facilities, such as Tamdhu distillery in Scotland. The use of the Saladin box represents a traditional and historical approach to malting barley.
• In May 2023, DSM merged with the Swiss company Firmenich to form a new entity named DSM-Firmenich. Koninklijke DSM N.V. is a Dutch multinational corporation that operates in the fields of health, nutrition, and materials. The company is headquartered in Heerlen, Netherlands, and has a global presence in approximately 50 countries, with over 21,000 employees. DSM is a purpose-led leader in health and nutrition, applying bioscience to improve the health of people, animals, and the planet. The company's key markets include animal feed, dietary supplements, early life nutrition, food and beverage, and personal care. DSM is also involved in the production of materials, such as resins solutions for paints, inks, stereolithography, and industrial and optical fiber coatings.
• Firmenich is a Swiss company in the fragrance and flavor business. The company has created perfumes for over 125 years and produced a number of high-quality, renewable ingredients. DSM-Firmenich is focused on being innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, combining the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable. The merger is aimed to bring progress to life by applying bioscience to improve the health of people, animals, and the planet. The company's portfolio includes fragrances, flavors, ingredients, vitamins, bio-actives, and UV filters, among others 

Figure 2. Global Hopped Malt Extract Market Share (%), By Application, 2023

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Top companies in Hopped Malt Extract Market

• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Muntons plc
• Associated British Foods plc
• The Malt Company (India) Pvt. Limited
• IREKS GmbH
• Doehler
• Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
• Malteries Soufflet
• PureMalt
• Huajia Food Technology

Definition: Hopped malt extract is a natural flavoring agent derived from malted barley and infused with hop bitterness. It is widely used in brewing beer, distilling whiskey, and manufacturing food products to impart a distinct malty flavor and aroma. With growing demand for craft beers and spirits, the hopped malt extract market has witnessed significant growth over the years. Key applications include enhancing the flavor, color, foam stability and shelf-life of alcoholic beverages as well as adding maltiness to baked goods, confectionery, non-alcoholic drinks, and plant-based protein products. With rising consumer inclination towards natural ingredients, hopped malt extracts are gaining popularity as a clean-label additive in the F&B industry.

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