1664 Blonde is rewriting the rules of sustainable brewing
In 2022, we partnered with Carlsberg’s French brewer Brasseries Kronenbourg and Soufflet Agriculture, to progressively integrate sustainable malt into its 1664 brand. The aim was to scale sustainable malt use from 20% in 2022 to 100% in just three years.
1 in 10 beers in France brewed using fully traceable responsible barley from 2026.
This partnership delivered and exceeded every objective:
- Traceability
- Quality
- Premium price for farmers
- Reduced environmental impact
These results prove not only that the model is measurable and credible, but more importantly, that it is scalable. Partner farmers grew from 45 to 216, and more than 5,800 hectares are now cultivated to the sector’s strict traceability and sustainability specifications, all for the benefit of 1664 Blonde.
Stepping up and into the future
The partnership has been extended for two more years and strengthens the programme with higher standards and a new set of measurable commitments, including:
- The transition from sustainable to regenerative practices, starting in 2026
- More stringent carbon requirements, including the use of low-carbon fertilisers, improved nitrogen management and expanded use of cover crops
- Compatibility with the SAI’s ‘Regenerating Together Framework’, with recognition targeted by 2030
- Broader biodiversity monitoring and the expansion of cover crops
- Field-level support for farmers from Soufflet Agriculture’s expert teams
- Total traceability of every tonne of barley and malt
