lagerstock

Lagerstock is a term used in the brewing industry to denote the inventory of lager beer held in storage across the supply chain. It encompasses beer that has undergone fermentation and aging in a controlled environment, as well as finished lagers awaiting packaging, distribution, or sale. In practice, lagerstock may be housed in cold storage rooms, storage tanks, or in bulk kegs and bottles ready for loading onto trucks or into retail channels.

Effective management of lagerstock involves monitoring quantity, age, and quality to minimize waste and ensure product consistency. Breweries commonly apply inventory methods such as first-in, first-out (FIFO) to rotate stock, and they track batch codes to relate flavor maturity and shelf life. Temperature control is essential; most lagers are stored near 0 to 4 degrees Celsius (32 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit) to retard aging and preserve carbonation and hop aroma. Storage conditions must guard against light exposure, oxidation, and contamination.

Stock levels influence production planning, distribution, and profitability. Overstock can tie up capital and increase the risk of spoilage or flavor drift, while understock can lead to delays and dissatisfied customers. Lagerstock is usually integrated with warehouse management systems and supply chain planning to forecast demand, plan production runs, and schedule shipments. In some regions, the term is more common in brewery and wholesale circles; in others, the more general "lager inventory" is preferred.