Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) sent staff and members to Vietnam and Thailand to boost awareness of U.S. malt and barley among Southeast Asia’s brewing industry. The team included USGBC’s Sadie Marks and Rowena Ngumbang, along with representatives from Briess Malt & Ingredients Company, Cold Stream Malt, and Mountain Malt.
Vietnam, the region’s largest beer consumer, has shown growing interest in high-quality ingredients, highlighted by a recent purchase of U.S. hops. In Vietnam, the delegation met with craft maltsters, beverage suppliers, traders, malt houses, and port facilities to lay the groundwork for future commercial partnerships.
The group then participated in Brew Asia 2025 in Bangkok, marking USGBC’s first presence at the expanding trade fair. The Council’s booth offered opportunities for suppliers and end-users to engage and learn about the quality of U.S. malt and barley.
“Buyers expressed excitement about U.S. products entering the market as a viable option,” said Marks. She added that ongoing market development efforts could significantly increase barley exports and craft malt sales in Southeast Asia, tapping into the region’s rapidly growing demand for craft and premium beer.
