Australian Barley in the Global Spotlight Ahead of World Cup Final

Australian barley growers are being recognised as unlikely winners ahead of Monday's FIFA World Cup final, with new figures highlighting the grain behind the millions of beers expected to be consumed during the tournament.

GrainGrowers says analysts estimate around 568 million litres of beer will be drunk worldwide by the time the final whistle sounds between Argentina and Spain. Brewing that volume would require more than 83,000 tonnes of barley.

Chief Executive Shona Gawel says Australia's barley production has grown significantly over the past three decades, with the nation now producing around two-and-a-half times more barley than it did 30 years ago and supplying about 20% of global barley exports.

She says the barley needed to brew beer consumed during this year's World Cup is equivalent to Australia's annual barley trade with South Africa, Taiwan, the Philippines, New Zealand and Malaysia, worth more than $35 million.

Ms Gawel says the industry's success reflects years of work diversifying export markets, with Australian barley used in products ranging from beer to breakfast cereals and confectionery. While only one nation will lift the World Cup trophy, she says Australian grain growers can also celebrate their role in supplying the grain enjoyed by millions of fans.