Plzeňský Prazdroj to use more malt following poor barley harvest

Hot and dry weather has impacted the barley harvest from Czech and Moravian farmers, leading to lower starch content in the grain. As a result, Plzeňský Prazdroj will require higher doses of malt than usual to maintain the required beer strength during the brewing process.

Michal Šneberger, head of the brewery's malt house, noted that laboratory analyses show higher protein levels at the expense of starch, which yields less extract. Despite these conditions, the brewery stated there is no threat to production volume or quality, as they can adjust technological steps—such as soaking water temperatures—and utilize their own malt houses to tailor the malt to specific beer types.

Plzeňský Prazdroj requires approximately 140,000 tons of barley annually to cover its production. The brewery uses robotic systems to sample and test every truckload for moisture, protein, starch, and germination before processing.