The beverage is expected to get dearer as the production of malted barley — an ingredient in the making of beer — faces a decline in Australia due to drought conditions, according to Jim Salinger of New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

“Most areas in Australia where malted barley is cropped are likely to experience production declines,” salinger said.” Barley production in the main growing region of New Zealand — from where brewing giant Lion Nathan gets about 70 per cent of its malted barley — would also be affected.