Global Barley Protein Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Barley Protein Market Analysis

The barley protein market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing consumer preference for plant-based and sustainable protein sources. Barley protein, derived from barley grains, is gaining traction in various applications such as food and beverages, nutraceuticals, animal feed, and cosmetics. Known for its high nutritional value and functional properties, barley protein is used in bakery products, meat analogues, protein powders, and skincare formulations. Market growth is further fueled by advancements in extraction technologies and the rising demand for clean-label products. Recent developments include innovative product launches, such as protein-enriched functional foods and beverages, catering to health-conscious consumers. Key players are focusing on R&D to improve protein content and functionality, driving competitiveness in the market. The increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with plant-based proteins and the shift toward environmentally sustainable practices position the barley protein market for robust growth in the coming years.

Barley Protein Market Size

The global barley protein market size was valued at USD 77.10 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 130.50 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, pricing analysis, brand share analysis, consumer survey, demography analysis, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Barley Protein Market Trends

“Increasing Demand in Plant-Based Proteins”

The barley protein market is expanding as consumers increasingly embrace plant-based proteins for their nutritional and environmental benefits. Barley protein, valued for its functional properties and health benefits, is widely used in food and beverages, nutraceuticals, and personal care products. Innovations in processing technologies, such as enzymatic hydrolysis, have enhanced the solubility and bioavailability of barley protein, making it more versatile for diverse applications. A key trend in the market is the growing popularity of protein-enriched functional foods, including plant-based meat analogues and protein bars, driven by the rising health consciousness among consumers. With its sustainability and versatility, barley protein is becoming a preferred choice, aligning with the global trend toward clean-label and eco-friendly products.

Report Scope and Barley Protein Market Segmentation        

Barley Protein Market Definition

Barley protein is a plant-based protein extracted from barley grains, known for its high nutritional value and functional properties. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, making it a popular choice in food and beverage applications, nutraceuticals, animal feed, and personal care products. Barley protein is particularly valued for its sustainability, as it aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly and plant-based alternatives.

Barley Protein Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Demand for Natural and Minimally Processed Food Products

The growing demand for natural and minimally processed food products is significantly supporting the adoption of barley protein in food and beverage formulations. Consumers are increasingly seeking clean-label products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that align with health and sustainability values. Barley protein, a plant-based ingredient, meets these criteria due to its natural origin, nutritional benefits, and functional versatility. It is used in various applications, including protein-enriched beverages, bakery items, and meat analogues, catering to the rising trend of health-conscious consumption. This shift in consumer preferences drives food manufacturers to incorporate barley protein, enhancing its market presence and demand.

• Rising Trend of Functional Foods and Beverages

The rising trend of functional foods and beverages enriched with proteins is a key driver of barley protein market growth. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is an increasing demand for products that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Barley protein, with its high amino acid content and digestibility, is increasingly being incorporated into functional foods such as protein bars, shakes, and fortified snacks. These products are marketed as promoting wellness, muscle recovery, and overall health. The growing consumer focus on improving health and fitness through protein-enriched foods is boosting the adoption of barley protein in various food and beverage formulations.

Opportunities

• Development of New Barley Protein-Based Products

The development of new barley protein-based products, such as protein powders, snacks, and beverages, presents a significant growth opportunity in the market. With an increasing number of health-conscious consumers seeking convenient and nutritious options to support their active lifestyles, the demand for protein-enriched products is rising. Barley protein, known for its high-quality amino acids and digestibility, is well-suited for these applications. Protein powders, bars, and beverages made from barley protein offer consumers a convenient way to boost their protein intake without compromising on health. This trend aligns with the growing focus on functional foods, driving the expansion of the barley protein market.

• Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplements

The growing trend of personalized nutrition and wellness supplements presents a significant opportunity for barley protein to be incorporated into dietary supplements aimed at improving muscle recovery, joint health, and overall wellness. As more consumers turn to tailored solutions for their specific health needs, the demand for protein supplements with functional benefits is increasing. Barley protein, rich in essential amino acids and easily digestible, is an ideal choice for these applications. Its inclusion in protein powders, capsules, and functional drinks can help consumers optimize their health goals, thus driving the expansion of barley protein use in the dietary supplements market.

Restraints/Challenges

• Limited Awareness and Acceptance

Despite its nutritional benefits, barley protein remains relatively unknown compared to more established plant-based proteins such as soy or pea. Many consumers are still unfamiliar with barley protein and its potential health advantages, which poses a challenge in gaining widespread adoption. To overcome this, significant efforts in consumer education and awareness are needed to highlight barley protein's benefits, such as its high amino acid profile, digestibility, and suitability for various dietary preferences. Without addressing this knowledge gap, the market for barley protein may face slower growth, limiting its potential in the growing plant-based protein segment.

• Competition from Other Plant-Based Proteins

The barley protein market faces intense competition from more widely recognized plant-based protein sources, such as pea, soy, and hemp, which are already well-established in the food and beverage industry. These protein sources benefit from stronger brand recognition, extensive consumer familiarity, and a broader range of applications. As a result, barley protein struggles to differentiate itself and secure a significant share of the market. The dominance of these alternative proteins, coupled with their established supply chains and lower production costs, creates a barrier for barley protein’s growth, making it more challenging to gain traction in the competitive plant-based protein market.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Barley Protein Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product type, food and beverages, animal feed, nutraceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product Type

• Concentrate
• Barley Protein Hydrolyzed
• Barley Protein Isolate

Food and Beverages

• Bakery Products
• Meat Analogues
• Functional Foods
• Soups and Stews
• Beverages
• Breakfast Cereals
• Others

Animal Feed

• Aquaculture Feed
• Pet Food
• Livestock Feed

Nutraceuticals

• Dietary Supplements
• Protein Powders

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Skin Care Products
• Hair Care Products

Distribution Channel

• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
  • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
  • Wholesalers
  • Specialty Stores
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Retailers

Barley Protein Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, product type, food & beverages, animal feed, nutraceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and distribution channel as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico in North America, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in Asia-Pacific (APAC), Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America as a part of South America, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA)

European barley protein market is experiencing steady growth, driven by strong demand from the brewing and animal feed sectors. In 2023, Europe produced approximately 47.4 million metric tons of barley, with leading producers such as France, Germany, and Russia maintaining stable output. The EU's focus on sustainability is fostering innovations in barley cultivation, enhancing yield and quality, while Europe remains a key player in global malt exports, with France and Germany as primary suppliers. In addition, barley’s growing use in alternative products such as bioethanol is further diversifying market demand.

Asia-Pacific barley protein market is growing due to rising beer consumption in countries such as China, India, and Japan. China’s barley imports surged to 6.4 million metric tons in 2023, while Australia leads the region in production with 14.37 million tons in 2022. India is also focusing on improving barley yields. The increasing popularity of craft beer, advancements in brewing technology, and the growth of biofuels in countries such as Australia are further driving barley demand across the region, contributing to the market’s expansion.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Barley Protein Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Barley Protein Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• The Scoular Company (U.S.)
• Evergrain, LLC (U.S.)
• Cargill, Incorporated. (U.S.)
• GrainCorp (Australia)
• Malteurop (France)
• Invivo (France)
• Muntons Plc (U.K.)
• Crisp Malt (U.K.)
• Maltexco S.A. (Malterias Unidas S.A.) (Chile)
• Montana Microbial (U.S.)
• Grain Millers, Inc. (U.S.)
• Briess Malt & Ingredients (U.S.)
• Axereal (France)
• IREKS GmbH (Germany)
• Imperial Malts Ltd (India)
• Malting Company of Ireland Ltd (Ireland)
• Holland Malt B.V. (Netherlands)
• Canada Malting Co. Limited. (Canada)

Latest Developments in Barley Protein Market

• In November 2024, REBBL, a pioneer in plant-powered functional beverages, introduced a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes containing 26 grams of protein per serving, using EverPro—an upcycled barley protein developed by EverGrain. This new product highlights sustainability while offering a significant protein boost. By incorporating EverPro, REBBL combines innovation with eco-consciousness, addressing growing consumer demand for both high-protein and sustainable beverage options
• In October 2024, GrainCentral reported that GrainCorp's 2024-25 harvest update revealed barley deliveries are currently underway in Queensland and northern New South Wales, including key areas such as Burren Junction, Moree, and Dubbo. The barley quality has been reported as excellent, indicating a strong harvest season. This positive quality report highlights the successful start of the harvest and reinforces the region’s reputation for producing high-quality barley
• In November 2023, Cargill Incorporated announced its commitment to eliminate deforestation and land conversion in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay by 2025. This initiative aims to protect native vegetation and promote sustainable agricultural practices across these countries. Cargill’s pledge aligns with its broader sustainability goals, focusing on preserving ecosystems while supporting responsible agricultural development in the region
• In June 2022, Anheuser-Busch announced that EverGrain LLC, a sustainable ingredient company backed by AB InBev, became fully operational with its barley protein, EverPro. The launch of the new, full-scale plant protein production facility marks a significant step in EverGrain’s mission to transform sustainable ingredients. This facility will enable the company to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly, plant-based protein solutions, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability
• In September 2021, InVivo Group successfully acquired Soufflet Group, creating a powerful new entity focused on promoting food sovereignty for farmers. This acquisition enhances the value chain for all stakeholders in food production, improving efficiency and sustainability. The expanded group aims to increase added value for farmers while strengthening its position in the global food production sector

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