GCC Barley Market Valued at USD 321 Million in 2025, Projected to Reach USD 598 Million by 2032

The GCC barley market was valued at USD 321 million in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 362 million in 2026 to USD 598 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.73% during 2026–2032. Market expansion is being supported by rising demand from the livestock sector, evolving food security strategies, and stable global grain availability. These factors continue to strengthen regional barley consumption.

Furthermore, the market is benefiting from the vertical integration of poultry, dairy, and egg production across GCC countries. The launch of Al Ain Farms Group in 2025 consolidated major livestock businesses under a unified platform, while Qatar's expanding livestock population further reinforces feed demand across the region. Consequently, increasing commercial livestock production continues to generate stable long-term demand for imported barley.

Additionally, The UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to position the country among the world's top ten nations in the Global Food Security Index while diversifying supply sources for major food categories, including feed grains. In parallel, Modern Mills announced an investment of approximately USD 40 million to establish a 422,000-metric-ton annual animal feed facility in Saudi Arabia, with commercial operations expected during Q4 2026.

From a market segmentation perspective, feed grade dominates with a 67% share owing to its widespread use in commercial livestock feed formulations, while animal feed represents the leading application, accounting for 67% of the market in 2026. Regionally, Saudi Arabia leads with approximately 66% of total demand, supported by its extensive livestock population, strong feed requirements, and continued investments in grain logistics, as further stated in the research report “GCC Barley Market Analysis, 2026.”

GCC Barley Market Highlights

The GCC barley market was valued at USD 321 million in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 362 million in 2026 to USD 598 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.73% during 2026–2032, supported by expanding livestock production and strengthening regional food security initiatives.
Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately 66% of the regional market, maintaining its leadership through its large livestock population, strong dependence on imported feed grains, and continuous investments in feed manufacturing, grain logistics, and strategic food security infrastructure.
Feed grade barley captured the largest 67% share by grade, driven by its affordability, nutritional suitability, and widespread use in compound feed formulations for sheep, goats, camels, cattle, and poultry across GCC countries.
Animal feed represented the leading application with a 67% market share in 2026, supported by expanding poultry self-sufficiency programs, dairy production growth, and increasing demand for compound feed from commercial livestock operations throughout the GCC region.
The industry remains moderately consolidated, with the top five companies collectively holding nearly 55% of the market. Competition is driven by diversified grain sourcing, efficient logistics networks, strategic storage infrastructure, and long-term supply partnerships with regional feed manufacturers.

GCC Barley Market Segmentation

By Grade

Feed Grade
Malt Grade
Food Grade

By Form

Feed Grade
- Whole Barley
- Barley Grits
- Barley Bran
Malt Grade
- Malted Barley
- Barley Extract
Food Grade
- Pearled Barley
- Barley Flour
- Barley Flakes
- Hull-less (Naked) Barley

By Application

Feed Grade Forms
- Animal Feed
Malt Grade Forms
- Brewing & Alcoholic Beverages
Food Grade Forms
- Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements
- Pharmaceuticals
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Industrial Applications