Barley Tea Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Original, Flavored), By Form (Instant, Ready-to-Drink), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region & Competition, 2019-2029F

Market Overview

The global Barley Tea Market was valued at USD 1,204.12 Million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1,634.29 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.22% during the forecast period. This growth is chiefly attributed to heightened consumer awareness about the health benefits of barley tea and its distinct flavor. Known as ‘mugicha’ in Japan and ‘boricha’ in Korea, barley tea is a caffeine-free drink made from roasted barley grains. It is renowned for aiding digestion, promoting relaxation, and potentially regulating blood sugar levels. The rising trend of specialty beverages such as craft beers and artisanal drinks has further elevated the status of herbal tea blends as premium, health-centric beverage options.

Although predominantly popular in Asia, the barley tea market is steadily expanding its footprint globally. Factors such as growing health consciousness, cultural transitions, and innovations in product formulations are fueling this expansion. Western markets are increasingly captivated by detox drinks and beverages with nutty flavors, propelled by an appreciation for Asian culture and cuisines. Furthermore, the rising momentum towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging resonates well with environmentally mindful consumers. Manufacturers are aligning with these trends by offering barley tea in convenient packaging solutions like ready-to-drink (RTD) bottles, tea bags, and instant powder forms.

Barley is recognized as a highly nutritious grain primarily utilized in animal nutrition and the malting industry. According to the International Grains Council (IGC), out of the 153.6 million tons of global barley production in the 2022/23 season, 7 million tons were used in the food industry, 104.8 million tons in feed production, 27.9 million tons in industrial applications, and 12.9 million tons in other uses. This means that approximately 68 percent of the world's barley production is allocated to animal feed or feed ingredients. The use of barley as a feed grain is particularly increasing in regions where corn cultivation is not feasible.

In global barley production, the European Union (EU) leads with 51.6 million tons for the 2022/23 season. However, production is projected to decline to 47.5 million tons in the 2023/24 season. Russia ranks second, producing 21.5 million tons in the 2022/23 season. For the 2023/24 season, Russia's barley production is expected to drop to 20.5 million tons, reflecting a decrease of 1 million tons compared to previous expectations. Australia holds the third spot in barley production with 14.1 million tons in the 2022/23 season. Competing closely with Canada for this position, Australia's production is forecast to fall by 3.3 million tons to 10.8 million tons in the 2023/24 season.

Global demand for health and wellness products is set to elevate the barley tea market. By capitalizing on advancements in product formulations, orchestrating strategic marketing campaigns, and broadening distribution channels, manufacturers can seize substantial growth opportunities. As the shift towards caffeine-free and antioxidant-rich beverages becomes more pronounced, barley tea is poised to gain a prominent position in the global health and wellness beverage sector.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Health Consciousness and Wellness Trends

A primary driver for the global barley tea market is the burgeoning health consciousness among consumers. Barley tea, being caffeine-free and abundant in antioxidants, strikes a chord with health-oriented individuals seeking healthier drink choices. Its benefits in aiding digestion, promoting relaxation, and potentially managing blood sugar levels are well recognized, contributing to its increased demand. This wellness trend extends across the food and beverage industry, inciting consumers to look for functional beverages offering more than just basic hydration. In this context, barley tea marketed as a functional beverage fits seamlessly, leading to an upsurge in its popularity.

The Barley Tea is crafted to harness the full benefits of pure, natural Japanese barley, functioning as a natural antacid to support digestive health. It accelerates weight loss, is low in sugar, and provides a flavorful alternative to plain water. Additionally, it boosts the immune system with its high vitamin C content, which can help protect against diseases and reduce the duration of common colds and flu. Moreover, consumers are increasingly inclined toward beverages that contribute positively to their health and wellness. The promotional narratives surrounding barley tea underscore its functional benefits, such as its detoxifying properties and rich antioxidant content. Consequently, as the push for healthier lifestyles gains momentum, the market for barley tea is expected to grow exponentially.

Cultural Influence and Growing Interest in Asian Cuisine

The burgeoning interest in Asian culture and cuisine plays a significant role in the expansion of the barley tea market. Barley tea holds cultural relevance in Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea, where it forms a staple part of traditional diets. The wave of globalization and cultural exchanges has transplanted these beverages into Western markets, where consumers are venturing out of their habitual choices to explore traditional Asian drinks.

The unique nutty flavor of barley tea and its purported detoxifying attributes make it a preferred choice for those keen on trying new, healthy beverages. The cultural influence not only broadens consumer choices but also bolsters the global representation and growth of barley tea. This expanding curiosity and acceptance of Asian foods and beverages have undeniably fueled the proliferation of barley tea in international markets.

Key Market Challenges

Supply Chain and Production Challenges

A notable challenge facing the global barley tea market is the intricacy of its supply chain and production processes. Producing barley tea involves multiple stages, starting from barley grain cultivation to their roasting and eventual packaging. Any disruption in this chain, such as climate adversities affecting barley crops or inefficiencies during roasting and packaging, can hamper the availability and quality of the final product.

Additionally, as global demand for barley tea soars, scaling the supply chain to keep pace with this demand, while maintaining quality, becomes crucial. Manufacturers need to ensure a steady supply of high-grade barley grains and uphold efficient production practices to sustain market growth. Overcoming these supply chain and production challenges is imperative for maintaining product quality and meeting growing consumer demands.

Regulatory and Standardization Issues

Navigating the labyrinth of regulatory and standardization issues poses another challenge for the barley tea market. Different countries have unique regulations for food and beverage products, encompassing aspects like health claims, packaging, and labeling requirements. Manufacturers aiming to penetrate new markets must adeptly navigate these regulatory landscapes, which can be both time-consuming and complex.

Compliance with varying regulations is essential to avoid legal pitfalls and build consumer trust. Furthermore, the absence of standardized quality benchmarks for barley tea can result in inconsistencies that affect consumer perception and market growth. Addressing these regulatory and standardization issues is crucial for the seamless expansion of the barley tea market internationally.

Key Market Trends

Innovation in Flavors and Product Offerings

The global barley tea market is experiencing considerable innovation in flavors and product offerings. Modern consumers, who seek variety in their beverage options, have spurred the introduction of a wide range of flavored barley teas — from fruity to herbal infusions. These flavored variants enhance the inherent taste of barley tea, making it appealing to a broader audience, including those who might find the original flavor too mild or plain.

The surge in demand for naturally flavored and organic beverages propels this trend forward. Flavored barley tea that incorporates natural and organic ingredients captures the interest of a diverse demographic, including younger consumers and those new to barley tea. This focus on innovation and variety not only increases market appeal but also drives sustained market growth.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is an emerging trend within the barley tea industry, driven by increasing environmental consciousness among consumers. Barley tea companies are responding to this demand by introducing biocompatible packaging solutions, such as biodegradable tea bags, recyclable canisters, and eco-friendly boxes.

These initiatives not only reduce environmental footprints but also enhance brand appeal to eco-conscious consumers. The emphasis on sustainable packaging serves as a key market differentiator, with brands highlighting their commitment to environmental responsibility. As sustainability remains a high priority, this trend is likely to gain further traction, influencing both consumer choices and manufacturing practices.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

In 2023, the flavored barley tea segment commanded the market with a substantial revenue share. This segment caters to modern consumers' demand for variety in their beverage options, offering a plethora of flavors ranging from fruity to herbal infusions. These variants enhance the natural taste of barley tea, making it more attractive to those who may find the original flavor less appealing. The rise in demand for naturally flavored and organic beverages contributes significantly to the flavored segment's growth. By using natural flavors and organic ingredients, flavored barley tea attracts a wider audience, including younger consumers and those new to barley tea. The original barley tea segment, deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions, is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. Health-conscious consumers often prefer the simplicity and authenticity of the original, unflavored version, which aligns with the growing trend towards natural and unprocessed foods.

Form Insights

The ready-to-drink (RTD) segment led the market in 2023, capturing a significant revenue share. RTD barley tea offers unparalleled convenience, being pre-brewed and ready for immediate consumption, which appeals to consumers with busy lifestyles. found at in various forms such as bottles, cans, and tetra packs, RTD barley tea is versatile and suitable for on-the-go consumption. The instant barley tea segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Instant tea's portability allows consumers to enjoy barley tea anywhere, along with the convenience of single-serve packets that ensure freshness. This segment capitalizes on the trend towards clean eating with products emphasizing natural and minimal ingredients. Innovations in flavors and formulations are making instant barley tea increasingly attractive to a broader consumer base.

Regional Insights

In 2023, North America held a dominant revenue share in the barley tea market. This regional market benefits from the rising popularity of barley tea influenced by Asian cultures, particularly in cosmopolitan areas where there is a keen interest in Asian cuisine and wellness practices. Brands are focusing on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging to attract environmentally conscious consumers. Health professionals and wellness influencers in North America are advocating for barley tea as a healthier alternative to sugary or caffeinated beverages, further fueling its popularity. The growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of barley tea is driving its adoption across the region. The U.S. market for barley tea is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is largely driven by increasing consumer recognition of barley tea’s health benefits, the rise of wellness trends, and a burgeoning preference for natural and healthy beverages. The clean-label movement, which emphasizes transparency and minimal additives, aligns perfectly with the inherent qualities of barley tea.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited and Kirin Beverage Company, Limited announced a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to develop and pilot a regenerative agriculture tea framework known as “The Regenerative Tea Scorecard.” This initiative will start with select tea plantations in Sri Lanka, which supply the tea leaves for Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha.  The framework aims to enhance soil health, conserve on-farm biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and improve crop productivity, ultimately benefiting local livelihoods.
• In 2023, Shiga Prefecture, renowned for being home to Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, has just unveiled a new release of Omi barley tea. This region is blessed with abundant sunlight and mineral-rich soil, which contributes to the exceptional quality of its barley. The barley is carefully roasted using hot air, resulting in a delightfully rich and aromatic tea that captures the essence of its pristine environment.
• In 2022, The Canadian Barley Tea Company is excited to introduce its latest product, mo'mugi, now available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. Crafted locally in British Columbia, mo'mugi is made from the finest organic Canadian barley. This 100% natural beverage provides numerous benefits, as it contains no caffeine, sugar, carbs, or calories. With its composition of exclusively premium organic barley, mo'mugi is an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers seeking a wholesome and refreshing drink.

Key Market Players

• ITO EN, LTD.
• Suntory Beverage & Food Limited
• Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
• Kansai Chagyo Co.,Ltd.  (Chikiriya Tea House)
• Ippodo Tea Co., Ltd.
• Dongsuh Foods Corporation
• SEMPIO FOODS COMPANY
• Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd.
• Macmaup Enterprises Ltd. (Tea Desire)
• The Canadian Barley Tea Company

Report Scope

In this report, the global Barley Tea Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below

•  Barley Tea Market, By Product Type

o Original

o Flavored

•         BarleyTea Market, By Form

o Instant

o Ready-to-Drink

•             BarleyTea Market, By DistributionChannel

o Online

o Offline

•         BarleyTea Market, By Region

o North America

S United States

S Canada

S Mexico

o Europe

S France

S Germany

S Spain

S Italy

S United Kingdom

o Asia-Pacific

S China

S Japan

S India

S Vietnam

S South Korea

o Middle East & Africa

S South Africa

S Saudi Arabia

S UAE

S Turkey

S Kuwait

S Egypt

o South America