#China #Yancheng #VIVESCIA #Chunlei Malting Co #Malteurop

Malteurop's Expansion in China Through Strategic Acquisition

Malteurop, a leading global player in the malt industry, recently announced a game-changing acquisition of Chunlei Malting Co. The cooperative group VIVESCIA, under which Malteurop operates, has highlighted this acquisition as a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in the export market. With a substantial production capacity of 220,000 tons of malt per year, which translates to approximately 2 billion liters of beer, this acquisition marks a new industrial and logistical milestone for the company in China.

Located near Yancheng in Jiangsu province, just 300 km north of Shanghai, Chunlei Malting Co. is hailed for its innovative processes that prioritize decarbonization. The facility utilizes a combination of biomass and green electricity, showcasing a commitment to sustainable operations. This acquisition reinforces Malteurop's position as the only foreign commercial malting player in China, empowering the company to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese malt sector.

Over the past 30 years, since establishing its first site in Baoding, Hebei province, Malteurop has demonstrated consistent dedication to the region's brewing and malting industries. Christoph Büren, the president of VIVESCIA, highlighted that this acquisition illustrates the potential of a French company to integrate effectively into the Chinese industrial ecosystem while promoting French agricultural know-how.

Guillaume Mothe, the CEO of VIVESCIA, emphasized that their ambition centers around blending local excellence with Malteurop's global expertise to create a competitive platform that serves brewers in China, Asia, and international markets. He further noted that the acquisition, celebrated with an official inauguration attended by local Chinese authorities, French diplomats, and industry partners, underscores a long-term commitment to the Chinese market.

This significant investment aligns with VIVESCIA's Vision 3.0 strategy and reflects a broader trend of enhancing relationships between French and Chinese agricultural sectors. By bolstering local partnerships, Malteurop aims to improve the quality of the barley-malt-beer supply chain, leveraging local technology expertise and contributing to environmental efforts in the malting industry.

Key Details About Chunlei Malting Co. Acquisition

• - Completion Timing: The acquisition was finalized in the summer of 2026.
• - Location Advantage: The facility near Yancheng offers strategic access to major export infrastructures.
• - Unique Market Position: Malteurop stands out as the only foreign commercial malting entity in China.
• - Production Capability: The plant can produce up to 220,000 tons of malt annually, equating to around 2 billion liters of beer.
• - Sustainable Practices: The facility operates on a low-carbon industrial process that utilizes 100% local biomass, primarily rice straw, and incorporates solar and wind energy with battery storage.

VIVESCIA's Role in the Industry

VIVESCIA, a leading French cooperative with a robust turnover of €3 billion and operations across 41 sites globally, focuses on creating value for its 9,000 farmer-members in northeastern France. The organization has been dedicated to cultivating sustainable agricultural practices for over a century. With an average collection of 3.5 million tons of cereals each year, VIVESCIA is at the heart of significant agricultural innovations, including its recently launched TRANSITIONS program aimed at promoting low-carbon agricultural methods across Europe.

With its historical presence and commitment to high-quality production standards, Malteurop is poised not only to enhance its operational capacity but also to influence the broader malting and brewing industry both locally in China and on the international stage. As it continues to grow, Malteurop's focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and strengthening global partnerships within the malt and brewing industries.