The Indian beer market opens up prospects for the export of Russian malt

In 2025, India demonstrates rapid growth in beer production and consumption, driven by demographic changes, urbanization, and rising incomes. It is estimated that the country’s annual beer output reaches up to 310 million dal, generating significant demand for raw materials. Producing such a volume may require between 430 and 650 thousand tons of malt per year. Although part of the beverage is produced using corn and rice, the market potential for malt remains very high.

At the same time, Russia is not an exporter of barley and malt to India. Brewing companies in India meet demand through domestic production and imports from Europe. In the 2023/24 season, India imported about 83 thousand tons of barley for malting and processing, which only partially covers industry needs and indicates potential for additional supplies. The situation is complicated by high customs duties, additional fees, quotas, and strict safety and labeling requirements.

Prospects may change thanks to the upcoming Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and India. The first round of negotiations will take place in November and will be an important step toward reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. Already at the end of September, Russian exporting companies will participate in a business mission to India organized by “Agroexport” and the Russian Ministry of Agriculture to discuss opportunities for entering the Indian market.

Thus, the Indian beer market combines high domestic demand with serious restrictions for external suppliers. For Russian malt producers, this is a window of opportunity: with the right support, exports to India could become a new growth direction for the industry.