Malteurop to Close New Zealand's Largest Malting Factory

Malteurop, a multinational malt supplier, announced the closure of its Marton Millings facility in New Zealand at the end of September 2026. Since 2008, the site has operated as the country's largest malting factory and currently supplies approximately 70 percent of the total malt market, including major breweries Lion, DB, and Asahi.

The shutdown will affect 14 workers and creates economic uncertainty for local grain farmers and growers already facing rising costs. Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson expressed concern over the loss of stable employment, though he noted that several companies have expressed interest in the site's grain storage and production capabilities.

While the Canterbury-based competitor Gladfield aims to capture some of the displaced business, it warned that the closure will increase New Zealand's reliance on imported malt. Market analysts suggest that some of the supply needs may shift to Malteurop's existing facility in Geelong, Australia.