Slovakia: Malt from Trnava wins EU protected status

Slovakia has achieved a new milestone in its food and agricultural sector after Trnavský slad (Trnava malt) received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, the press agency SITA reported on June 27.

The recognition places Slovakia at the forefront of the EU's malt industry, making it the only member state with two geographically protected malt products.

The registration process, initiated by the Trnava-based producer Lycos Malt, took over four years and involved cooperation with experts and the Slovak Industrial Property Office.

“It was a long and demanding process, but the result confirms the strong reputation of Trnavský slad,” said Juraj Krajčovič from Lycos Malt. “The high quality of our malt is based not only on the unique soil and climate conditions of the Trnava Plain but also on centuries of tradition and the dedication of local farmers and malt producers,” he added.

Trnavský slad is a light, Pilsner-type barley malt primarily used in beer production. It is made from certified two-row barley grown exclusively in the region around Trnava, which is known for its favourable soil and climate. The malt is characterised by its high starch content of up to 66 percent and extract yield, often exceeding 83 percent.

The tradition of malt production in Trnava dates back to 1395, when historical records first mention a malt house in the city. At that time, one of Trnava’s five city gates was even named “Sladovnícka brána” (Malt House Gate).

According to Pavol Gregorčok, head of the Slovak Industrial Property Office, Slovakia now has 11 protected geographical indications, including Levický slad, Oravské korbáčiky, and Liptovské droby. Three more products – Muránske buchty, Brhlovské podlievané buchty, and Liptovské šialence – are currently undergoing the EU registration process.

Malt is Slovakia’s most important export commodity after first-stage agricultural processing. Domestic malt houses produce around 280,000 tons of malt annually, sourced from over 500 farmers who grow more than 370,000 tons of malting barley. The country’s malt exports are valued at approximately €130 million a year.

“With this PGI for Trnavský slad, we are strengthening the global reputation of Slovak malt,” added Vladimír Machalík, head of the Slovak Association of Beer and Malt Producers, which represents nearly all domestic beer and malt production.