Carlsberg Denmark has partnered with DLG and Viking Malt to source Danish malt barley grown using regenerative farming practices for its upcoming beer. This will be Carlsberg’s first beer in Denmark made with raw materials cultivated using regenerative methods, set to hit the market in 2025.
As part of its broader sustainability strategy, Together Towards ZERO and Beyond, Carlsberg aims to transition to 100% regenerative sourcing for all its raw materials by 2040. This shift is expected to help reduce climate impact and support environmental health.
The barley for the new beer comes from regenerative farming practices that focus on improving soil health and biodiversity. These practices include minimal tillage, ensuring soil is covered for most of the year, rotating multiple crops on the same land, and reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Carlsberg has already secured 500 tonnes of this barley from 100 hectares across two farms in Zealand, which will yield up to 3.3 million liters of beer.
A special limited-edition beer brewed entirely with regeneratively grown malt will be produced, but most of the barley will be used in Carlsberg Pilsner. Consumers won’t notice a difference in taste, as the barley grown using regenerative methods has the same quality and flavor as conventional barley.
This is part of Carlsberg’s larger plan to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to biodiversity. Around 24% of Carlsberg Denmark’s CO2 emissions come from agricultural raw materials, so shifting to regenerative farming is seen as a key way to reduce emissions and enhance resilience to climate challenges like drought and heavy rainfall.
While Denmark’s market for regenerative products is still developing, Carlsberg is optimistic about its potential and is committed to helping grow this sector. Carlsberg has worked with agricultural consultancy firm Agrovi to establish its specific requirements for regenerative farming in Denmark and to support the development of sustainable farming practices in the country.
DLG and Viking Malt are playing a key role in this initiative. DLG supplies the regeneratively grown barley, which is then malted by Viking Malt before being brewed by Carlsberg. Carlsberg also sees potential for other food companies to join this shift toward regenerative farming, helping create a strong and sustainable raw material base across Denmark.
As Carlsberg and its partners continue to explore sustainable practices, they aim to inspire more companies to adopt regenerative agriculture, helping accelerate the transition to more sustainable food and drink production.
