The mission brought together 20 representatives of breweries, beer and brewing ingredient distributors, and media outlets from Canada and the United States. The project was carried out under the Programme for the Support of Economic Diplomacy (PROPED) with financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic.

The opening part of the program took place at the Ministry of Agriculture, where participants were introduced to the current state of the Czech brewing industry, its export potential, and opportunities for business cooperation. Next, a presentation was delivered by the Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, focusing on the unique characteristics of Czech lager and traditional brewing technologies.

Over the following days, participants visited approximately 20 Czech companies, breweries, and institutions. The program included stops in the Žatec hop-growing region, where companies Arix, Bohemia Hop, and Top Hop demonstrated their experience in exporting Czech hops to international markets.

Additionally, the mission included visits to leading industrial and craft breweries. At Budějovický Budvar (in Canada presented under the name Czechvar), Plzeňský Prazdroj, Samson, Ferdinand, and Platan, participants learned about production methods characteristic of Czech lagers, including decoction mashing and traditional lagering techniques. The program also featured visits to the experimental brewery Elektrárna and craft breweries Pioneer, Cobolis, and Chotěboř, which showcased current trends in the Czech beer scene.

A highlight of the program was the visit to the Ferdinand Malt House, where traditional floor malt is still produced using time-honoured methods. Lastly, the North American guests met with Czech suppliers of brewing equipment and technologies. Bucher Denwel, EUTIT, Lukr, and Raveco presented solutions widely used in Czech breweries, ranging from complete brewing systems and specialized basalt flooring to filling and packaging lines and draft beer dispensing equipment.

The Canadian Market Offers Opportunities for Czech Breweries, Technology Suppliers, and Ingredient Producers

Canada represents a promising export destination for the Czech brewing industry. Growing consumer interest in premium European-style beers, the continued expansion of the craft brewing sector, and the ongoing liberalization of alcohol retail sales are creating new business opportunities. These opportunities include beer exports, brewing technologies and brewing ingredients.

Over the past two decades, the Canadian beer market has undergone a significant transformation. Alongside large multinational breweries, more than 1,000 regional and craft breweries now operate across the country, focusing on diverse beer styles, local production, and high-quality products. In Ontario alone, there are nearly 400 breweries, with craft beer  ranking among the fastest-growing market segments. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic products with a strong story, clear origin, and exceptional quality. Czech lagers, backed by centuries of brewing tradition, thus enjoy an excellent reputation on the Canadian market.

Another positive development is the gradual liberalization of alcohol retailing in Canada. For example, the Province of Ontario is expanding opportunities for beer sales through additional retail outlets while modernizing its distribution system. The objective is to increase competition, improve product availability, and facilitate market access for new brands.

New Contacts and Future Business Opportunities

This year's trade mission confirmed that interest among North American breweries in the Czech brewing industry continues to grow. In addition to traditional Czech lagers, participants showed considerable interest in importing Czech hops, malt, and brewing technologies, which can help improve both the quality and efficiency of production in their breweries.

The meetings provided an excellent platform for establishing new business relationships and further strengthened awareness of the Czech brewing industry as a sector that successfully combines centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge technology. The contacts established and business discussions held during the mission provide a strong foundation for the continued development of cooperation between Czech companies and their North American partners.

Participating Breweries and Distributors:

Canada:

Hogarth Malt, Bread Water Beer Co., Driftwood Brewing Company, Smithers Brewing Company, Cold Bear Brewing Company, Equals Brewing Company, Four Winds Brewing, Craft Beer Importers Canada, Cerveza Renegado

United States

Fast Fashion Brewing, Lost Generation Brewing Company, Blue Jay Brewing Company, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Lupulin Brewing Company, Fellowship Beer Company, Mutation Brewing Co., Brick & Feather Brewery, DeadBeach Brewery, Wayward Lane Brewing

Participating Czech Companies and Institutions

Arix, Bohemia Hop, Bucher Denwel, EUTIT, Lukr, Raveco, Top Hop, Budějovický Budvar Brewery (Czechvar), Cobolis Brewery, Elektrárna Brewery, Ferdinand Brewery (including Ferdinand Malt House), Chotěboř Brewery, Pioneer Brewery, Platan Brewery, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Samson Brewery, U Fleků Brewery, Research Institute of Brewing and Malting