Increased demand for whisky is likely to benefit growers in Scotland and other parts of Britain next year, according to a leading grain merchant. Frontier Agriculture has said maltsters and distillers will be looking to buy one of the largest tonnages of malting barley on record next year, positing that purchases could reach 800,000 tonnes from 750,000 this year.

image expired

Frontier Agriculture spokesperson David Waite said, “Whisky production is at an all-time high with new distilleries commissioned and old moth-balled distilleries re-opening.”

He also said export opportunities to Asia, India and the Far East are rapidly increasing.

Next year, farmers who can meet the quality requirements of distillers, brewers and millers are likely to see good return on their barley. Maltings in Scotland are currently working to 100 per cent capacity, even though a number of new facilities have opened in recent years.

Frontier advised growers to cultivate varieties that would appeal to local maltsters, such as low nitrogen varieties; selling locally will also save on haulage costs, meaning improved returns. New varieties in the HGCA recommended list for next year promise to suit Scotland’s growers very well.

Tweet