At 90, Austria's grain trading legend still works daily after 76 years

Karl Pilstl will celebrate his 90th birthday on Monday with a small gathering of around 25 to 30 people. Despite his age, he still works daily from his office at the water castle in Raab. His career in grain trading spans an impressive 76 years. Pilstl began as an apprentice at a grain warehouse at the age of 14. By 19, he had already founded his own grain trading company. Today, the business is run by three generations: Karl, his son Andreas, and grandson Paul. Together, they trade over a million tons of grain annually from their main hub on Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Square.

In 1997, Karl became the first to advocate for GMO-free soy in Austria. His son Andreas now hopes the country’s soy cultivation boom will continue, thanks to improving climate conditions. Karl also believes artificial intelligence will have a growing impact on the economy but insists it cannot replace personal relationships. The family business remains a major player in Austria’s grain trade. Karl Pilstl’s long career and ongoing contributions highlight his enduring influence. His milestone birthday marks another chapter in a lifetime dedicated to the industry.