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Hops crisis triggers new price rise

EXCLUSIVE

DRINKERS will be crying in their beer as drought conditions trigger a hop shortage.

Brewers already hit by huge cost increases for malt, electricity and carbon dioxide now face a supply shortfall when crops are harvested.

So the price of a pint – currently an average £3.95 – is sure to rise.

Charlie Gorham, of hop merchants Charles Faram, said: “Temperatures in the UK and across Europe are putting pressure on the hop crop. Plants are well behind where they should be and are showing signs of severe heat stress. Harvest is due to begin and without rain there will be light yields.” Trendy craft brewers would be hit hard as their brews often rely on a larger dose and variety of hops. The Society of Independent Brewers said: “Breweries are seeing huge cost increases. Now, with rising temperatures across Europe, hop supply is under real threat.” Germany accounts for 73% of the world’s hops, yet water levels on the Rhine are now dangerously low. Suffolk brewing giant Adnams has warned its production costs could surge by up to 30% this year and experts predict price rises of 6% in pubs, bars and diners as the hospitality industry faces spiralling costs.

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