In partnership with DLG and Viking Malt, the company has secured Danish malt barley produced using regenerative farming practices. This barley will be used to brew a special edition of Carlsberg beer, which will be available in 2025.
As part of its long-term sustainability goals, Carlsberg has committed to sourcing all raw materials using regenerative methods by 2040. These farming practices focus on improving soil health and reducing environmental impact through techniques such as low-tillage farming, diverse crop rotation, and minimal use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The barley was harvested from 100 hectares across two farms in Zealand, and up to 500 tonnes of it will be delivered to Carlsberg’s breweries in Copenhagen and Fredericia, allowing the company to brew up to 3.3 million liters of beer with regeneratively grown barley.
A limited edition beer brewed entirely from this regenerative barley will be produced next year. The rest of the barley will be used in Carlsberg Pilsner, marking the first step toward using 100% regenerative ingredients in all of Carlsberg’s beers. Despite the change in farming methods, the quality and taste of the beer will remain unchanged.
This initiative is part of Carlsberg’s broader sustainability strategy, which also includes reducing carbon emissions. In Denmark, agriculture is responsible for around 24% of Carlsberg’s carbon emissions, so shifting to regenerative farming is seen as a key way to reduce the company’s environmental footprint and promote biodiversity. It also helps farmers adapt to climate challenges like droughts and unpredictable weather.
Although Denmark’s market for regenerative products is still developing, Carlsberg hopes to help drive the transition as more food companies adopt sustainable practices. Carlsberg is working closely with DLG and Viking Malt to refine the farming techniques needed for regenerative agriculture in Denmark, with the support of the agricultural consultancy firm Agrovi.
In the future, Carlsberg aims to expand regenerative farming beyond barley to other crops like wheat, rapeseed, and oats, further supporting sustainable farming in Denmark.
