What began as a visionary project has now developed into a real showcase product of regional added value. Not only distinctive in flavour, but also in its origins: Mühlviertel organic beer is a prime example of how regional cooperation, fair partnerships and ecological responsibility can lead to sustainable success.
Why this project?
The idea behind Mühlviertel Organic Beer is simple, but effective: a beer made from 100% regional ingredients. And exclusively from the Mühlviertel. The project was launched by Peter Krammer, who realised back in 2008 that the quality of beer is inextricably linked to the quality of the raw materials and water. The foundation stone was a consistent switch to organic farming on the farm's own land and the establishment of a water protection area around the Hofstettner well. Because only those who protect their water can rely on the highest brewing quality in the long term.
Regionality as a lived partnership
The Hofstetten brewery has been working closely with around 15 organic farmers from the Mühlviertel region since 2011. The aim: to produce organic-quality winter malting barley - a challenging but rewarding endeavour. The farmers come from the surrounding area, from Feldkirchen to Arnreit, i.e. within a radius of around 20 kilometres from the brewery. The annual harvest - an impressive 120 tonnes in 2023 - is purchased at fair prices. This means that the brewery pays a multiple of the usual market price for the barley and offsets this value-added contribution transparently against the beer price.
Organic, quality and success
The results prove the project right: Mühlviertel organic beer is now one of the brewery's best-selling varieties - and not just locally. In 2025, it even won the prestigious European Beer Star in the "Austrian Märzen" category - an award that only the best beers in the world receive. And with a beer that is brewed entirely with Mühlviertel winter barley and regional organic hops. The quality speaks for itself.
A future model for sustainable food production
The project impressively demonstrates how a region can become strong through co-operation. It's not just about beer - it's about independence, fair pay, ecological responsibility and preserving regional identity in a globalised world. Especially in times when patents on malting barley are threatened by international corporations, this Mühlviertel joint project is a strong signal: For freedom, for flavour - and for handshake quality.
Already genial - because it works.
