Why is Carlsberg Denmark expanding its regenerative grain procurement?
Carlsberg Denmark is increasing its procurement of regeneratively grown crops from 15,000 tonnes in 2025 to 18,400 tonnes following the 2026 harvest. This expansion includes a new commitment to 1,000 tonnes of regenerative wheat, which will cover the total wheat consumption for several beer brands by 2027.
The company is moving toward a specific sustainability target. According to Carlsberg Denmark, the goal is to have 50% of all raw materials used in its beverages grown using regenerative principles by 2032. This latest procurement step focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of its core ingredients.
Raw materials account for roughly 25% of Carlsberg Denmark’s total CO2 emissions. Stig Schneider, Senior Sustainability Manager at Carlsberg Denmark, says regenerative farming can lower these emissions. Methods such as reducing tractor use can save fuel and lower the carbon footprint. These practices also aim to improve soil health, biodiversity, and agricultural resilience.
Regenerative agriculture doesn’t just focus on carbon; it focuses on the health of the entire ecosystem, including water resources and soil microbiology.
How much regenerative grain will be used by 2027?
The scale of Carlsberg Denmark’s regenerative grain use has grown rapidly. In 2025, the company’s first year using these materials, it brewed approximately 3 million liters of beer using regenerative malting barley. By the current cycle, that volume reached approximately 100 million liters.
The upcoming procurement for the 2026 harvest shows a clear upward trend. The company is increasing its malting barley order from 15,000 to 17,400 tonnes. This volume will result in roughly 118 million liters of beer in 2027. When the 1,000 tonnes of regenerative wheat are added, the total regenerative crop procurement reaches 18,400 tonnes.
| Metric | 2025 Figures | 2026/27 Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Total Regenerative Crops | 15,000 tonnes | 18,400 tonnes |
| Beer Volume (Liters) | ~3 million | ~118 million |
Which beer brands will feature regenerative wheat?
The 1,000 tonnes of regenerative wheat will be used in beers brewed at the Fredericia facility. This purchase covers the entire wheat requirement for several prominent brands in 2027. Consumers can expect to find regenerative wheat in 1664 Blanc, 1664 Biére, Jacobsen Barbara’s Easy IPA, Mikkeller Burst IPA, and Brooklyn Pulp Art IPA.
This move ensures that wheat-heavy styles are included in the company’s broader sustainability strategy. By securing these contracts early, the brewery can stabilize its supply chain while meeting its “Brewing Tomorrow” objectives.
What are the industry challenges for regenerative farming?
Scaling these methods requires more than just individual company commitments. Claus Stig Pedersen, EVP for Sustainability & Communication at DLG, says broader demand is necessary. When more companies purchase regenerative crops, it becomes more attractive for farmers to adopt new cultivation methods and stronger crop rotation.
Pedersen notes that while Carlsberg is a “frontrunner,” the industry needs wider participation. He suggests that increased demand could eventually expand regenerative practices to other crops like oats, rye, and rapeseed. This shift would require a coordinated effort across the entire value chain, including maltsters and agricultural distributors.
The Role of the Regenerating Together Programme
Carlsberg Denmark aligns its practices with the Regenerating Together Programme (RTP). This is an international initiative under the SAI Platform. The programme brings together NGOs, researchers, farmers, and companies to create a shared approach to agriculture.
The RTP focuses on outcome-based farming. This means the goal is to protect and improve soil health, biodiversity, and water resources while maintaining farmer livelihoods. The programme also works to create a common industry framework for better measurement, transparency, and verification of these practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Carlsberg’s regenerative strategy?
Carlsberg Denmark aims to have 50% of its beverage raw materials grown using regenerative principles by 2032.
How does regenerative farming reduce CO2?
According to Stig Schneider of Carlsberg Denmark, regenerative methods can reduce emissions by decreasing tractor use, which in turn saves fuel.
Which specific beer brands will use regenerative wheat?
The brands include 1664 Blanc, 1664 Biére, Jacobsen Barbara’s Easy IPA, Mikkeller Burst IPA, and Brooklyn Pulp Art IPA.
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