Paraná barley production drives beverage industry investment

Paraná is experiencing a surge in barley production, which is driving significant investment in the regional beverage industry. In 2025, the state harvested nearly 500,000 tons of barley, a 71% increase from the previous year. This growth has led to approximately R$ 5 billion in investments by beverage companies since 2020 to expand operations and install new units. Currently, Paraná accounts for nearly 78% of Brazil's barley production.

The expansion of the cereal crop is directly linked to the growth of breweries, which has also positively impacted the labor market. According to Ipardes, formal employment in the beverage industry grew by 47% between 2018 and 2025.

Despite the record yields, agricultural operations face weather challenges. Barley currently occupies 128,933 hectares in the state, with projected production exceeding 550,000 tons. Recent weather forecasts indicate rain and potential thunderstorms in key regions such as Guarapuava, Ponta Grossa, and Irati. While no major losses have been confirmed, the weather risks include hail damage and soil saturation, which may close the window for spraying, fertilization, and machine transit.