Carlsberg Group's Regenerative Farming Commitment

The Carlsberg Group has set an ambitious new goal to source all its grains from regenerative farming practices by 2040, revolutionising the beer industry's approach to sustainability. This commitment could significantly impact the quality and environmental footprint of beer production.

Regenerative farming focuses on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and increasing carbon sequestration, which will transform the way key beer ingredients are grown. 

How regenerative farming can support the environment

This shift to regenerative farming will deliver healthier and more resilient crops, while reducing the environmental impact of beer production.

This initiative could lead to:

• Enhanced flavour profiles in beer due to improved soil health
• Increased resilience of beer ingredients to climate change
• Reduced carbon footprint of beer production
• Potential price stability for consumers as farms become more sustainable
• A new standard for sustainability in the broader beverage industry.

By reimagining its entire supply chain and product lifecycle, Carlsberg is not just improving its environmental credentials, but potentially enhancing the quality and sustainability of its beer products for consumers.

"The barley, hops and other grains we use to brew our beverages come from farms and the way those farms are operated and managed has a tremendous impact on the planet," shared Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, Carlsberg's Global Head of Sustainability & ESG. 

By 2029, the global beer market is expected to reach a volume of US$368bn, with Asia holding a 31% share of the global beer market at present. The Asian continent has been the world's largest beer-consuming region for the past 14 years, yet 75% of Asia is considered water insecure.

As a result, Carlsberg Group has partnered with WWF in an initiative aimed at restoring wetland ecosystems and increasing water availability in critical basins across China and Laos.

Nestlé and Cargill support regenerative agriculture

Nestlé supports more than 150,000 coffee farmers' as they transition to regenerative farming practices, which increase yields and improve farmers' incomes. 

Nestlé has partnered with Rainforest Alliance to promote regenerative agriculture and safeguard the future of top-quality coffee through empowering farmers as they improve soil health, protect waterways, foster biodiversity and achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Lea Drusio is the Director Corporate Communications Central European Region at Nestlé Purina PetCare. She is based in Germany and recently joined the company. 

“Our holistic approach when it comes to sustainability and how everyone in the company is committed to be part of the positive change that is needed. Sustainability is deeply rooted in our DNA,” she shared. “To keep celebrating coffee for years to come, we must raise awareness of the challenges it faces. Because coffee is at risk and the consequences of climate change affect the annual harvests.”

Over at Cargill, the company has partnered with the Soil Health Institute, a non-profit dedicated to soil vitality, to promote regenerative agriculture practices in North American farms.

“The quality of water directly impacts the health of crops, livestock and the entire agricultural ecosystem”, shared Truke Smoor, Cargill’s global water lead, who is clear that regenerative agriculture practices lead to improved soil health.

Cargill's regenerative agriculture strategies have also made significant strides in water conservation. These programmes have increased water supplies in the company's supply chains by approximately 3.4bn litres and advanced water quality by lowering the volume of pollutants by more than 60 metric tonnes.

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