“Demand is through the roof” for Belgian hops

Things are looking better for the hop growers of Belgium, according to the organisation that represents the industry. Not only does this year’s harvest promise to be bountiful, but the growers’ strategy of switching to aroma hops is also paying dividends.

“The switch is paying off,” said Erik Lagache of the non-profit Hop. “A great number of small breweries wanting to brew Belgian style beer have started up in the US. For that, they come looking for Belgian aroma hops. Demand has gone through the roof.”

The hop industry in Belgium is tiny, about 140 hectares in total, most of it centred around the town of Poperinge in West Flanders. Growers have always concentrated on bitter hops, but the brewing industry of late has moved towards aroma hops, which give beer a more distinctive fruity or floral flavour.

Poperinge growers, now harvesting aroma hops, is not only struggling to keep up with demand but is also benefitting from a drought in the US that severely affected hop crops there.

Here, a combination of warm weather followed by rain is making the harvest look like a good one – something that was in doubt just a month ago when the state of the crop was analysed.

The icing on the cake: the price for Belgian hops also looks strong this year. “This is the ideal moment to get started as a hop grower,” Lagache said. “At least if you’re prepared for the major investment in planting.”

Photo: A brewer adds hops to the kettle at the Westmalle brewery
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