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

Malteurop Strengthens Its Presence in China with Chunlei Malting Co. Acquisition

In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the malting industry, Malteurop, the malting division of the French cooperative group VIVESCIA, has successfully acquired the Chunlei Malting Co. plant located near Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China. This acquisition not only enhances Malteurop's operational capabilities but also solidifies its status as a leading player in the Chinese malt market.

A Significant Investment

The Chunlei plant boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes of malt, which is sufficient to produce around 2 billion liters of beer. The facility is equipped with advanced decarbonization processes that utilize a combination of locally-sourced biomass and renewable energy sources, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The acquisition, finalized in the summer of 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Malteurop as it seeks to bolster its manufacturing and logistical operations in China, responding effectively to the needs of local brewers and international export markets. As the only foreign commercial malt producer in China, Malteurop aims to leverage its global expertise to provide high-quality products tailored for the Asian market.

Promoting Local Excellence

Christoph Büren, the President of VIVESCIA Group, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in enhancing Franco-Chinese relations. He noted that it highlights the capacity of a leading French player in the industry to establish a lasting presence within China's manufacturing landscape. This endeavor not only showcases French agricultural expertise but also underscores VIVESCIA's long-term commitment to the Chinese market.

Guillaume Mothe, Managing Director of VIVESCIA Group, expressed the company's ambition to combine local excellence with Malteurop's global experience. By partnering with local stakeholders in the malting and brewing sector, Malteurop plans to create a robust and sustainable growth platform for its customers in China and beyond.

The Modern Malting Plant

The Chunlei Malting Co. plant operates with a unique position in the market, featuring an innovative production process that sources 100% of its biomass locally, primarily from rice straw, complemented by renewable energy harnessed from wind turbines and solar panels. This low-carbon approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also positions the plant as a model for future malting operations.

Future Prospects

Malteurop's acquisition of the Chunlei Malting Co. is expected to pave the way for even more investments aimed at enhancing production capacity in the region. The company is committed to supporting the ongoing premiumization of the barley-malt-beer industry, utilizing its extensive technological and process expertise. By fostering local know-how and sustainable practices, Malteurop is well-poised to lead in this evolving market.

As a significant player in the global malt industry, with operations in 14 countries and workforce of around 1,000 employees, Malteurop's ongoing investment in China is a testament to its strategy of merging local strengths with global standards. With this recent acquisition, Malteurop is not just expanding its business; it is also contributing to the growth and modernization of the Chinese brewing sector.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Chunlei Malting Co. marks a new chapter for Malteurop in China’s malting industry, reflecting both its long-standing presence and its commitment to innovating in sustainable practices. As the company continues to deepen its partnership with local brewers, the future looks bright for Malteurop and its stakeholders.