Trnavský slad, a Pilsner-type barley malt produced in the Trnava region, has officially been awarded the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union. With this achievement, Slovakia becomes the only EU member state to hold two geographically protected malt products, further solidifying its position among Europe’s leading malt exporters.
The application process was initiated by Lycos Malt, based in Trnava, and spanned more than four years. It involved collaboration with agricultural experts and the Slovak Industrial Property Office. According to Juraj Krajčovič from Lycos Malt, the PGI status is a testament to the “long-standing tradition and exceptional quality” of Trnavský slad, which is rooted in both the unique climate and soil of the Trnava Plain and centuries of local expertise.
Production of Trnavský slad can be traced back to 1395, when a malt house was first mentioned in historical records. Today, the malt is known for its high starch content (64–66%) and extract yield often exceeding 83%, making it a premium choice for beer production. The malt is made exclusively from certified two-row barley grown in the region.
The Slovak Industrial Property Office currently recognizes 11 PGI-certified Slovak products, including Levický slad, the country’s other protected malt. Three more traditional foods are awaiting EU registration. Pavol Gregorčok, head of the office, emphasized that no other EU country has achieved this level of recognition for malt production.
According to Vladimír Machalík, executive director of the Slovak Association of Beer and Malt Producers, Slovak malt is already a key export, valued at approximately EUR 130 million (USD 139 million) annually. Domestic malt houses produce around 280,000 tons per year, sourced from more than 500 farmers cultivating over 370,000 tons of malting barley.
Geographical Indications (GIs) are part of the EU’s quality policy and grant intellectual property rights to products that have distinct qualities, reputations, or characteristics linked to their origin. Examples include Champagne, Colombian coffee, and Feta cheese. In the EU, products like Trnavský slad can receive PGI recognition if at least one stage of their production occurs in the designated region. This scheme not only protects product names from misuse but also enhances marketing and export potential for local producers.
