Craft beer could be undone by its own success, as leading industry figures warn that the rapid boom in the craft category is leaving hops in short supply.
Aroma hops, which are most associated with craft beers, are experiencing serious price increases as supply tightens (Photo: Wiki)
The hop, a pine cone-like plant that comes in several varieties, is a vital ingredient for flavouring beer, especially the kinds of hop-heavy craft brews taking over bar taps across the world.
But in the Yakima Valley, in the US state of Washington, where nearly 80% of the country’s hops are produced, there are fears that the craft boom could turn to bust if demand increases at even a marginally faster rate.
Ben St. Mary, a hop farmer….
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