Heritage, community and professionalism

The University of Pécs Alumni and Corporate Relations Office organised the latest event in the popular Alumni Exclusive series, which gave graduates a glimpse behind the scenes of beer production in Pécs Brewery. The professional tour was led by József Aradi, who gave a detailed presentation on the technological background of the plant, the significance of historical regulations, and the strict quality assurance system applied during the production process.

The visit began in the brewhouse, where József Aradi explained that beer brewing still follows the principles of the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. This regulation stipulates that beer may only contain water, barley malt, and hops. The expert emphasized that although the process is now largely automated, the human factor remains indispensable. While 10-15 people used to work in a shift, today only two or three people supervise the system, but the final quality certificate is still issued by experts. Professional tasters must undergo 6-8 thousand practical sessions in order to properly calibrate the parameters of the beer with their senses before packaging.

During the tour, participants learned about the mechanics of beer production, from the mashing process to hop boiling and the use of special vortex tanks. József Aradi discussed in detail the technological differences between bottom-fermented and top-fermented beers, emphasizing the role of yeast placement and operating temperature in shaping the character of the final product. To conclude the event, former Pécs students were able to deepen their knowledge in the tasting room, where they could further strengthen their ties with the university in a spirit of community and nostalgia.

Sustainability and responsible corporate management are of paramount importance for modern industrial facilities, as minimizing the ecological footprint during production and trade processes is a fundamental duty. During the tour, József Aradi discussed the factory's relationship with the local environment, noting that since beer is 90% water, the plant relies on its own wells located on the slopes of the Mecsek Mountains. The brewery serves as a model for the circular economy and industrial symbiosis: the protein-rich by-product of production, spent grain (törköly), is not treated as waste but is transported by local farmers for animal feed, turning an industrial remnant into a valuable agricultural resource. However, this model faces significant challenges; Aradi mentioned that the effects of climate change are already being felt, as the impossibility of domestic hop cultivation forces the plant to rely on global imports. 

These efforts align perfectly with the University of Pécs's identity as a "Green University," where environmental consciousness and sustainability are held as core institutional values. This underscores the need for factories to constantly adapt their import/export strategies to remain sustainable in a changing global climate.

The only requirement for participating in Alumni Exclusive programs is a valid alumni registration. Once you have registered, all you need to do is sign up for the event of your choice – but be sure to do so quickly, as space is always limited.

Join the circle of Pécs graduates!

Discount

• 5%

Note

• 5% discount on purchases at the Pécs Beer Shop
• 10% discount on the price of participating in the Beer Seminar program
• Discounted brewery tour packages (by prior arrangement with the Partner)

Author: Hanna Leemans
Photos: Bálint Molnár