Liquid Malt Extract Market Size to Reach USD 2.41 Bn by 2034

Liquid Malt Extract Market Rises with Natural Sweeteners and Craft Food Trends

The global liquid malt extract market size is projected to witness strong growth from USD 1.48 billion in 2025 to USD 2.41 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 5.54% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. driven by rising demand in bakery, confectionery, and brewing applications. Its natural sweetness, rich flavor profile, and clean-label appeal are boosting adoption across food and beverage sectors.

Last Updated: 02 July 2025 Category: Food & Beverages Ingredients Insight Code: 5690 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Liquid Malt Extract Market Size, Share and Growth Opportunies

The global liquid malt extract market size was calculated at USD 1.40 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise from USD 1.48 billion in 2025 to nearly reaching USD 2.41 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.54% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The increasing consumer preference for nutritious and natural ingredients drives the growth of the market.

Liquid Malt Extract Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, Europe dominated the global liquid malt extract market by holding a market share in 2024, due to the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. 
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034 during the forecast period, which is driven by the growing rapid industrialization. 
  • By product, the light malt extract segment held a major market share in 2024, driven by increasing health and nutrition awareness. 
  • By product, the dark malt extract segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034, driven by the increasing trend towards concentrative beverages. 
  • By source, the barley segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to its rich nutritional profile. 
  • By source, the wheat segment is expected to grow at a rapid growth due to the growing farming industry. 
  • By form, the liquid malt extract segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the increasing consumer preference towards healthier beverages. 
  • By form, the concentrated LME segment is expected to grow at a rapid growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing awareness towards health and nutrition. 
  • By application, the alcoholic beverages segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the increasing consumer preference towards natural alcoholic drinks. 
  • By application, the nutraceuticals and functional beverages segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for natural and organic nutrients. 
  • By distribution channel, the B2B retail segment dominated the market share in 2024, driven by the increasing number of offline stores. 
  • By distribution channel, the online retail (B2C) segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, driven by the growing e-commerce platforms.
  • By end user, the food and beverage manufacturers segment contributed to the biggest market share in 2024, due to the growing food and beverage industry. 
  • By end user, the craft brewers segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034, due to the increasing consumer preference towards alcoholic beverages.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 5.54%
Market Size in 2025 USD 1.48 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 1.56 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 2.41 Billion
Largest Market Europe
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

The Accelerating Demand from Various Applications Enhance Market Growth

The liquid malt extract market refers to the global industry engaged in the production, distribution, and application of malt extracts in liquid form, derived primarily from malted barley and other cereal grains. Liquid malt extract is a concentrated syrup containing sugars, proteins, enzymes, and flavor compounds used as a natural sweetener, fermentation agent, coloring agent, and flavor enhancer. It is widely used in brewing, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements. Its clean-label, non-GMO, and enzymatic properties make it popular in natural product formulations and health-oriented applications.

Some of the various factors driving the growth of the market. The increasing demand in the brewing industry, increasing consumer trend towards artisanal and distinctive beers, increasing consumer knowledge of liquid malt’s nutritional properties, increasing demand for supplements and foods, and increasing demand for alcoholic beverages are expected to fuel the growth of the market.

  • Increasing consumer awareness: The increasing consumer awareness of clean-label and natural products, improved energy boosting properties and digestion, which contributed to propel the growth of the global market.
  • Increasing preference towards plant-based: The increasing preference towards plant-based products such as plant-based, vegan drinks, and dairy-free beverages are expected to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.
  • Increasing demand in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals: The increasing demand for liquid malt extract in various industries of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals is further expected to enhance the growth of the market.

Market Opportunity

Rising Technological Innovations

The rise of technological advancements in liquid malt extract may create significant opportunities in the global market. The rising advancements in extraction procedures ensure flavor profiles, better product consistency, and improved purity and yield. The technological innovations including membrane filtration are reducing energy and waste consumption and enhancing sustainability and efficiency, which further enhances segment growth. In addition, the rise of digital monitoring and automation in production facilities improves quality control and operational performance. To address increasing regulatory standards and consumer demand, these technological advancements strides allow manufacturers. These advanced factors are expected to revolutionize the growth of the liquid malt extract market in the coming years.

Market Challenge

Storage Handling and Limited Shelf Life

The increased storage challenges and limited shelf life are some of the major restraining factors hindering market growth. Liquid malt extracts are sensitive to contamination, temperature, and moisture, which may hamper their product quality. In addition, during bulk storage and transportation, this adds to the complexity and cost of handling. The liquid malt extract can lose Flavor, crystallize or thicken, if not stored properly. These challenges may discourage consumers, which is further expected to restrain the growth of the liquid malt extract market.

Regional Insights

How Europe Dominate the Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024?

Europe dominated the liquid malt extract market in 2024. The segment growth in the region is attributed to the growing production in the food and beverage industry, increasing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, increasing consumer preference towards baking traditions, and the growing brewing industry.

Asia Pacific Liquid Malt Extract Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is driven by increasing food processing industries in various countries, rising health awareness, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand for natural and organic food products. China, India, and Japan are the fastest growing countries driven by the growing brewing industry and increasing demand for alcoholic beverages. 

India is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, driven by the growing brewing industry and increasing demand for alcoholic beverages. The brewing industry in India is the one of the fastest growing countries, with a consumption of 345 million cases of beer. The alcohol beverage industry is set to achieve new highs in the coming years, with the increasing GDP, tropical climate and young population, which may expected to drive the growth of the market in India.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

How does the Light Malt Extract Held the Largest Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024?

The light malt extract segment dominated the liquid malt extract market in 2024. The light malt extract is widely used as a nutrient supplement. It provides a source of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates that support development and growth. To simplifies the brewing process and save time. Consumer don't need to worry about sparging and mashing their grains, with liquid light malt extract.

The Dark Malt Extract Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period.

Dark malt extract is widely used across various applications such as health and nutrition, baking, and brewing. This is ideal for hearty baked goods and dark beers. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the various benefits such as plant-based and vegan-friendly, fermented sugars to make alcohol, texture enhancers, support gut health, providing quick energy, and a natural source of nutrients.

Source Insights

Why Barley Segment Dominate the Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024?

The barley segment dominated the liquid malt extract market share in 2024. Barley is known for its balanced sugar profile and high enzyme activity. Among manufacturers, this is the preferred source aiming for consistent performance and quality. With traditional malting procedures, its natural compatibility and composition, further make it a cost-effective and reliable choice. Barley malt extracts are known for their nutritional values, such as dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which further drive segment growth.

The Wheat Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the market is attributed to factors such as rising technological advancements in processing and extraction, increasing consumer preference towards alternative and gluten-free grain, rising innovations in malt-based and non-alcoholic beverages, increasing demand for functional and nutritional beverages, increasing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients and growing popularity in breakfast and bakery products.

Form Insights

What Factors Help Liquid Extract to Grow in 2024?

The liquid malt extract segment dominated the liquid malt extract market in 2024. Liquid malt extract is a concentrated syrup that includes flavor, enzymes, proteins, and sugar compounds used as a flavor enhancer, coloring agent, fermentation agent, and natural sweetener. It is highly used in nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and the brewing industry. In addition, liquid malt extract’s enzymatic properties, non-GMO, and clean-label properties make it popular in health-oriented applications and natural product formulations, which further drives segment growth.

The Concentrated Liquid Malt Extract Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The concentrated liquid malt extract is widely used in various applications such as nutritional supplements, breakfast cereals, confectionery, bakery, and brewing. In addition, increasing focus on sports nutrition and foods, increasing growth in non-alcoholic and craft brewing malt beverages, and increasing demand for natural and functional ingredients are expected to drive the segment growth.

Application Insights

How Alcoholic Beverages Segment Dominates Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024?

The alcoholic beverages segment dominated the liquid malt extract market in 2024. The segment growth in the global market is driven by various benefits such as helping in heart rate, helping to get more active, preventing kidney stones, helping brain development, and maintaining blood sugar. There are 33% of wine drinkers and 41% of beer drinkers across the globe, which may increase the demand for liquid malt extract in alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is expected that 25% to 40% fewer people a hardened artery, stroke, and heart attacks.

The Nutraceuticals and Functional Beverages Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

Functional beverages are highly nutritious. They may promote proper development and growth, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and protect against disease. In addition, preventing nutrient deficiencies, protecting against disease, and promoting proper development are various health benefits, which are further expected to fuel the segment growth.

Distribution Channel Insights

Why did the B2B Segment Held the Largest Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024? 

The B2B segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is driven by factors such as increased personalized e-commerce interactions, improved operational efficiency, greater understanding of buyer behavior, and increased product discoverability. It is projected that B2B food companies growing over 18%, from the year 2022 to 2028. To connect suppliers of food and beverages, distributors, wholesalers, and alcohol beverage suppliers, these companies allow transactions.

The Online Retail (B2C) Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the market is attributed to the growing e-commerce platforms, increasing consumer trend towards online shopping, rising culture of home brewing, and increasing consumer trend towards health and wellness. In addition, the craft beer industry is moving towards 210 billion within the next 5 years and expanding by 10% per year. Furthermore, B2C offers various benefits such as access to rare beers, convenience, product information, and product information such as ratings, reviews, and descriptions for each beer, which further accelerates the segment demand.

End-User Insights

How do Food and Beverage Manufacturers Segment Dominate Liquid Malt Extract Market Revenue in 2024?

The food and beverage manufacturers segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is driven by factors such as increasing consumer trends toward vendor sourcing, increasing growth in liquid malt beverages, and increasing consumer preference towards natural sweeteners and clean-label usage.

The Craft Brewers Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

Craft beer is gaining popularity due to its tradition, flavor, and artistry, and is popular for creating innovative and unique brews. Craft breweries often have a significant sense of personal touch and community.

Recent Developments in the Liquid Malt Extract Market

Glen Moray

  • Launch: In May 2025, Glen Moray launched the latest two maple-syrup-cask-finished bottlings, introduced for the marking of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s opening day. (Source: Spiritz)

Saltire Rare Malt

  • Launch: In April 2025, a new collection of limited-edition expressions was launched by independent whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt. This cigar malt series is designed to complement premium cigars. (Source: Whisky mag)

WhistlePig Whiskey

  • Launch: In April 2025, WhistlePig Troopers Edition Sticky Icky Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, launched by the WhistlePig Whiskey. It is the barrel-aged maple syrup’s limited edition comes up with the non-psychoactive cannabis terpenes. (Source: OneMoreDram)

Liquid Malt Extract Market Leading Companies

Liquid Malt Extract Market Companies

Segments Covered in the Report 

By Product Type

  • Light Malt Extract
  • Amber Malt Extract
  • Dark Malt Extract

By Source

  • Barley
  • Wheat
  • Rye
  • Others

By Form

  • Liquid Malt Extract (LME)
  • Concentrated Liquid Malt Extract (High-Brix)

By Application

  • Food & Beverages
    • Bakery & Confectionery
    • Breakfast Cereals
    • Ice Cream & Dairy Products
    • Ready-to-Eat & Processed Foods
  • Beverages
    • Alcoholic Beverages 
    • Non-Alcoholic Beverages 
  • Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
  • Infant & Geriatric Nutrition
  • Animal Feed & Pet Food

By Distribution Channel

  • Business-to-Business (B2B)
  • Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • Online Retail
    • Specialty Stores

By End User

  • Industrial Food & Beverage Manufacturers
  • Craft & Commercial Brewers
  • Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Companies
  • Retail Consumers

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The liquid malt extract market is projected to grow from USD 1.48 billion in 2025 to USD 2.41 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.54%. Growth is supported by demand in brewing, health foods, and clean-label formulations.

Key trends include the rise of plant-based beverages, growing demand for concentrated formats, clean-label preferences, and increasing adoption in nutraceuticals. Online retail and small-batch artisanal brewing are also expanding the market.

Technologies like membrane filtration and digital automation are enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. These innovations are helping manufacturers meet stricter regulations and growing consumer expectations.

The market is moderately consolidated, with players like Muntons, Cargill, and Briess focusing on R&D, sustainability, and regional expansion. Product innovation and reliability in supply chain remain key competitive factors.

High-growth opportunities exist in concentrated liquid malt extract and functional beverages due to their health benefits and versatility. The craft brewing segment also shows strong expansion potential across emerging markets.

Europe currently dominates due to strong brewing and bakery industries, while Asia Pacific, led by India and China, is expected to grow fastest owing to urbanization, health awareness, and booming food and beverage sectors.

Top players include Muntons PLC, Briess, Cargill, GrainCorp, and Viking Malt. These companies focus on global reach, product innovation, and aligning with the clean-label and plant-based ingredient trends.

Storage instability, contamination risk, and limited shelf life are major concerns. These factors raise handling costs and complexity, particularly in regions lacking robust cold chain infrastructure.