THE final hectares of a $50 million investment in expansion delivered over the past eight years has been the focus for Hops Products Australia (HPA) after a successful 2022 crop.
Marketing manager Grace Irwin said the new plantings are coming into commercial productivity this year.
"This means we can continue to supply a growing number of local and international brewers with high–quality Aussie hops so they can continue making premium beers," she said.
"We have experienced another typical La Niña weather pattern characterised by cooler daytime temperatures and increased rainfall.
"With our soil saturated and our dams full, four per cent of our acreage became subject to flooding.
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"This was a common story across eastern parts of Australia at the tail–end of 2022.
"Despite some challenging conditions, we were able to modify our calendar of inputs, complete stringing and training on schedule, and help most of the flood–affected acreage recover.
"In general, our hops have reached the wire with cones now in the final stages of accumulating all the alpha acids and essential oils that brewers value for their impact in beer.
"Even though the hop and brewing world seems to be going through significant realignment of supply and demand, the outlook for Aussie hops remains strong.
"Since crop 2023 is expected to be on average, we're encouraging brewers to proactively review their Aussie hop requirements and reach out regarding forward contracts.
"We're particularly excited to welcome brewers back on farm in 2023.
"Those visiting our Victorian farms might even get to do a hot lap around the outside of our new processing and packaging facility that is scheduled to be commissioned in time for crop 2024.
"Let's just say there's plenty of room for activities and exciting developments.
"The crop 2023 harvest commenced on March 1 and continued for the remainder of the month, with pelleting beginning in April."
And despite the cooler temperatures, producers completed all farm activity on schedule this year.
Hops Products Australia farm advisor Allan Monshing said the team experienced "another typical La Niña weather pattern this growing season".
"This year we'll harvest 554 hectares, which should yield around 1450 tonnes of high–quality Aussie hops that will be used by a growing number of local and international brewers," he said.
"We've employed more than 245 casuals to help with the Victorian hop harvest.
"The return of overseas backpackers has been a relief, leading to a good supply of seasonal workers.
"Each harvest, we pick hops straight from the vine and send them to local brewers who make fresh hop beers.
"This year we're proud sponsors of The High Country Hop, a festival by our friends at Bridge Road Brewers, that celebrates the Aussie hop harvest by showcasing the flavours of our growing region.
"Fresh hop beers are a once–a–year thing, so when you get the chance to brew or drink one, you should take it."
