Montana inks deal for increased barley purchasing from beer giant Heineken

Move over, Budweiser and Coors Light. Heineken is also courting Montana.

While Budweiser and Coors Light remain Montana’s favorite beers, Gov. Greg Gianforte and Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark have signed a letter of understanding which states that Heineken’s parent company, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A., will do more business in Montana, including buying more Treasure State barley.

The deal was announced Tuesday.

While the letter of intent didn’t commit the beverage industry giant to specific amounts or prices, it did say the company was committed to using more Montana products in their beer manufacturing.

The “intent to procure increased volumes of high-quality Montana barley” will be met with “transparent market information, producer consultations, and continued investments in barely research,” by the state, according to the letter.

Gianforte, as well as leaders from Heineken and the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee along with members of the U.S. Grain Council signed the letter at Bos Hay and Grain at Gallatin Gateway.

“We’re thrilled Heineken recognized the superior quality of Montana barley and wants to do more business with our farmers,” Gianforte said. ‘This agreement ushers in tremendous opportunities for our ag industry.”

During the past five years, Heineken has sent three trade missions to Montana. Those included a visit to the Montana State University Plant Science and Malt Quality labs, as well as meetings with Columbia Grain and United Grain.