A MASSIVE expansion of Malteurop’s malthouse at Geelong in Victoria will be officially opened on Monday, making it one of the largest facilities of its type in the world.

Malteurop group chief executive officer, Olivier Parent.

The expansion will enable almost half of all of Victoria’s malting barley to be processed at the site with malt production set to lift by more than 150 per cent from 80,000 tonnes to 200,000t.

This ambitious project will give Malteurop the opportunity to meet increasing demand and capitalise on growth markets in Southeast Asia.

Malteurop Australia/New Zealand managing director Trevor Perryman said with 85-90pc of production destined for export markets the expansion was of strategic importance for Malteurop as it looked to strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are looking to capitalise on growth in beer consumption in the Asia Pacific and particularly in South East Asia which is now a significant area of growth for the worldwide beer market,” Mr Perryman said.

“Asia already has a deficit in its production of cereal grains and malt, so Australia as a major producer is well placed to meet that demand. With Malteurop’s Geelong facility so well placed in terms of proximity to the highest quality and most abundant malting barley sources and its bayside location on Australia’s main export gateway, we have a fantastic opportunity here.

“Asia already has a deficit in its production of cereal grains and malt, so Australia as a major producer is well placed to meet that demand.”

“In fact, we are located on a rail, road, and maritime hub that is exceptionally well situated.

“This will give Asian brewers greater opportunity to source their malt out of the Australian market and thus reduce their reliance on Europe.”.

Grain Producers Australia chairman and grain farmer at Rupanyup, Andrew Weidemann, welcomed the expansion which he said would provide a significant new pathway for more grain to be processed.

“I see that as a great benefit to Victorian grain growers and for the economy of Geelong. It’s an important investment and we can only see good things coming from it,” he said.

Mr Weidemann said the ability for farmers to deliver directly to Malteurop was significant.

“It provides more opportunity for Malteurop to deal directly with the farmer which improves supply chain efficiency and reduces costs associated with storage and the freight that comes with that.”

Malteurop is a global leader in the malting industry, operating 27 sites in 14 countries. The French farmer-owned company produces more than 2.0 million tonnes of malt, which is predominantly used in the brewing industry.

One in 10 beers sold world-wide contain malt from Malteurop.

Source: Malteurop