Brewers Grains Market Forecast 2026-2035: Growth Fueled by Circular Economy in Brewing – News and Statistics – IndexBox

Global Brewers Grains Market Report: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The global Brewers Grains market, a vital intersection of the beverage and agricultural sectors, is projected to experience steady growth from 2026 to 2035. This market includes wet and dried spent grains, yeast, and related by-products from brewing and distilling processes. It is intrinsically linked to global beer production volumes. The valorization of brewers grains transforms a previously discarded by-product into a nutritious and cost-effective animal feed ingredient, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Growth in this market is driven by the global emphasis on circular economy practices within the food and beverage industry, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Brewers grains provide sustainable protein sources for livestock and aquaculture diets, offering a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional feed commodities, thus contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Despite susceptibility to fluctuations in brewing industry cycles and agricultural commodity prices, the market is expected to evolve with increased regional diversification and value-added processing such as pelleting and drying, enhancing logistical efficiency and shelf stability.

Demand Drivers and Constraints

Primary Demand Drivers

• Rising global beer production volume, the primary source of brewers grains (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Intensifying focus on circular economy and waste valorization in the food and beverage sector (SDG 12).
• Strong demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein sources in animal feed, especially for ruminants (SDG 2, SDG 15).
• Growth in dairy and beef production in emerging economies, increasing feed ingredient demand (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2).
• Technological advancements in drying and pelleting improving product stability and market reach (SDG 9).
• Increasing use as feedstock in biofuel and biogas production, supported by renewable energy policies (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13).

Potential Growth Constraints

• High moisture content and perishability of wet brewers grains limiting transport and logistics (SDG 12).
• Price volatility of competing conventional feed ingredients affecting cost competitiveness (SDG 8).
• Fluctuations in global beer production due to economic, health, or regulatory factors impacting raw material supply (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
• High transportation costs for bulky, low-density products reducing margins (SDG 9).
• Variability in nutritional composition posing challenges for consistent feed formulation (SDG 2).

Demand Structure by End-Use Industry

Ruminant Feed (Dairy & Beef Cattle) – Estimated 65% Share

Ruminant feed dominates brewers grains consumption due to its high fiber digestibility and protein content, supporting SDG 2 by enhancing livestock productivity and food security. Demand is driven by the need to optimize feed efficiency and milk yield, with a shift towards formulated total mixed rations (TMRs) and dried/pelleted products for improved nutritional management.

• Major trends include precision-formulated dairy rations, increased use of dried/pelleted forms, and strengthened partnerships between breweries and dairy cooperatives.
• Representative companies: ForFarmers N.V, De Heus Animal Nutrition, Cargill Animal Nutrition, ADM Animal Nutrition, Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Swine Feed – Estimated 15% Share

Swine feed applications are limited due to high fiber content but are growing moderately with technological improvements enhancing digestibility. This supports SDG 12 by promoting sustainable feed ingredient use and SDG 2 by contributing to pork production efficiency.

• Trends include enzyme treatment, fermented products, and integration into least-cost feed formulations.
• Representative companies: Smithfield Foods, JBS USA, Tyson Foods, BRF S.A, Charoen Pokphand Foods.

Biofuel & Biogas Production – Estimated 10% Share

Brewers grains are increasingly used as feedstock for anaerobic digestion and bioethanol production, advancing SDG 7 and SDG 13 by supporting renewable energy generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Growth driven by renewable energy policies and development of brewery-centric circular models.
• Representative participants: Local biogas plant operators, Veolia, SUEZ, energy utilities, agri-energy cooperatives.

Poultry Feed – Estimated 5% Share

Poultry feed use is niche due to low fiber tolerance but remains stable, contributing marginally to sustainable feed diversification (SDG 2).

• Dependence on finely processed, dried products and cost advantages.
• Representative participants: Tyson Foods, JBS, BRF S.A, Venkys, Hubbard Feeds.

Compost, Soil Amendment & Other Uses – Estimated 5% Share

Brewers grains contribute to sustainable agriculture by serving as soil amendments and compost feedstock, supporting SDG 15 and SDG 12 through improved soil health and organic farming practices.

• Applications include organic farming, commercial composting, mushroom cultivation, and specialty food ingredients.
• Representative participants: Municipal composting facilities, specialty mushroom farms, organic fertilizer producers.

Key Market Participants

Regional Dynamics

Asia-Pacific – Estimated 28% Market Share

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing consumption region due to expanding livestock sectors, notably dairy and pork in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Sustainability initiatives promoting by-product utilization align with SDG 12 and SDG 2. Import opportunities for dried brewers grains exist due to feed deficits.

North America – Estimated 35% Market Share

North America remains the largest and most mature market, characterized by advanced processing technologies and circular economy models, supporting SDG 9 and SDG 12. Growth is steady and innovation-driven.

Europe – Estimated 25% Market Share

Europe maintains stable demand supported by stringent waste disposal regulations and circular economy policies under the EU Green Deal, advancing SDG 12 and SDG 13. Biogas use is significant in countries such as Germany.

Latin America – Estimated 7% Market Share

Market growth is linked to beef and dairy industry expansion in Brazil and Argentina. The region relies more on wet grains with limited drying infrastructure, presenting challenges for long-distance trade (SDG 9).

Middle East & Africa – Estimated 5% Market Share

This emerging market is import-dependent with growth tied to investments in dairy and aquaculture. Logistics and competition from other feedstuffs constrain expansion, highlighting opportunities for sustainable feed solutions (SDG 2, SDG 12).

Market Outlook (2026-2035)

The global brewers grains market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2026 to 2035, reflecting steady expansion aligned with global beer production growth. The market’s evolution towards higher-value processed products and integration into circular bioeconomy models supports multiple SDGs, including SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13.

For comprehensive data and methodological details, refer to the latest IndexBox Brewers Grains Market Report.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Use of brewers grains as a nutritious, cost-effective animal feed ingredient supports sustainable agriculture and food security.
   • Growth in dairy, beef, pork, and poultry production linked to feed demand.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Use of brewers grains in biofuel and biogas production contributes to renewable energy generation and decarbonization policies.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Valorization of brewers grains as a by-product promotes circular economy practices and waste reduction in food and beverage industries.
   • Integration into circular bioeconomy models and resource efficiency.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reduction of environmental footprint through sustainable protein sources and renewable energy use.
   • Support for decarbonization policies via biogas and biofuel applications.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Use of brewers grains as compost and soil amendment supports sustainable agriculture and soil health.
   • Promotion of organic farming and reduction of synthetic fertilizer use.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Size of ruminant herds, especially dairy cattle near brewing centers (indicator of feed demand and livestock productivity).
   • Global beer production volumes as a proxy for raw material availability.
   • Livestock production volumes (dairy, beef, pork, poultry) indicating feed ingredient demand.
2. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Tariff or incentive prices for renewable gas/electricity (indicator of economic viability of brewers grains in bioenergy).
   • Expansion of biogas infrastructure and renewable energy capacity.
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Volume and share of brewers grains valorized into animal feed, biofuel, biogas, compost, and other uses.
   • Growth in processed forms (pellets, dried grains) indicating improved resource efficiency and logistics.
   • Regulatory compliance and waste reduction metrics under circular economy policies (e.g., EU Green Deal).
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Reduction in environmental footprint of feed ingredients compared to virgin commodities.
   • Adoption rates of renewable energy policies and decarbonization measures in brewing and agriculture sectors.
5. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Premiums for organic produce reflecting demand for sustainable soil amendments.
   • Use volumes of brewers grains in compost and soil amendment applications.
   • Regulatory landscape metrics on synthetic fertilizer reduction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: indexbox.io