Malt producer Muntons has appointed the farmer-owned grain co-operative Openfield Agriculture as one of its newly-created ‘strategic suppliers’.

The agreement extends until 2020 and will see Openfield supply about 35,000 tonnes of malting barley each year to Muntons’ maltings in Stowmarket.

Muntons is a global player in the supply of malts, malt extracts, flours, flakes and many other malted ingredients, and exports around half of its production.

Mark Worrell, Openfield chief operating officer, said Openfield’s ability to deliver the contract in a way that supported Muntons’ sustainability commitments was central to securing the agreement.

“We have worked closely with Muntons for many years and understand its needs, but also its desire to deliver on its sustainability commitments in a practical manner.

“By augmenting Muntons’ storage capacity with our own facilities we can supply it with a crop of known provenance for the long-term while our farmer members benefit from the confidence that comes with established demand from a large-scale end-user.”

Alan Ridealgh, Muntons group managing director, said: “This agreement ensures Muntons provides a secure supply of a high-quality product for the long-term. Agreements such as this are at the heart of Muntons’ values, where we seek success through partnership and collaboration.”

Earlier this month Muntons, which has invested £2.6m in its grain intake area, saw its new grain facility officially opened by the High Sheriff of Suffolk in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.