Malteurop Acquires Chunlei Malting Co. Plant: A Major Expansion in China's Malt Production

Malteurop Expands Its Footprint in China with Chunlei Malting Co. Acquisition

Malteurop, a renowned player in the global malt production industry, recently announced its strategic acquisition of Chunlei Malting Co., a move set to significantly enhance its production capabilities and solidify its presence in the lucrative Chinese market. This development was revealed by the cooperative group VIVESCIA and is poised to bring a host of advantages to both Malteurop and the region's brewing sector.

Overview of the Acquisition

The recently finalized agreement, which took effect in the summer of 2026, will allow Malteurop to tap into Chunlei’s robust production capacity of 220,000 tons of malt annually—sufficient for producing an impressive 2 billion liters of beer. Located in the Jiangsu province, around 300 km north of Shanghai, the Chunlei plant is strategically positioned to enhance Malteurop's logistics and export operations.

According to Christoph Büren, General Director of VIVESCIA Group, this acquisition exemplifies the potential for a leading French player in the barley and malt industry to establish a lasting foothold in China's production ecosystem. It underscores the group’s long-term commitment to reinforcing Franco-Chinese relationships and advancing economic cooperation in the grains sector.

Strengthening Local and Export Markets

Malteurop has been operating in China for three decades, ever since the establishment of its Baoding plant in Hebei Province. Through this new acquisition, the company aims to combine local excellence with its extensive global experience to create a competitive and sustainable platform for its brewing customers in China, Asia, and other export markets. Guillaume Mothe, Managing Director of VIVESCIA Group, stated, “Our strategy aligns perfectly with VIVESCIA 3.0, focusing on collaboration with local industry partners and the premiumization of the malt and brewing sectors.”

The investment not only enhances Malteurop's production capabilities but also emphasizes its ongoing commitment to supporting the local barley and malt industry in its transition towards more sustainable practices. This aligns with global trends favoring environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and lower carbon emissions.

Environmentally Conscious Production

Malteurop's Chunlei plant employs cutting-edge technology and practices to minimize its carbon footprint. The production process integrates local biomass—primarily rice straw—for heat generation, alongside renewable electricity sourced from wind turbines and solar panels, supported by on-site battery storage. This innovative approach not only meets stringent decarbonization standards but also positions Malteurop as a leader in environmentally sustainable malt production in China.

Implications for the Future

Given the growing demand for high-quality malt and beer in China, the potential for future investments to further increase production capacity remains on the table. Malteurop has expressed intentions to work closely with local partners to foster innovation and premiumization within the industry, leveraging its technological expertise amassed over the years.

Apart from benefiting its brewing partners, Malteurop’s expansion into the Chunlei Malting Co. plant also marks a significant milestone for the VIVESCIA Group, which has a global revenue of €3 billion and operates 41 production facilities worldwide. With its strong agricultural base and commitment to sustainability, VIVESCIA continues to ensure that local farmers, who own the cooperative, can thrive amidst changing market dynamics.

Conclusion

Malteurop’s acquisition of Chunlei Malting Co. is set to redefine the malt industry landscape in China. By enhancing its production capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices, Malteurop not only strengthens its competitive edge in the local market but also creates a framework for future growth and innovation within the global malt production sector.

As the industry evolves, this strategic move by Malteurop is sure to resonate within the brewing community, making quality malt more accessible and fostering stronger ties between French agricultural expertise and the Chinese market.