Czech Beer Faces Threat as Drought Destroys Hop Crop

Czech growers of Zatec Saaz hops are expecting a significant drop in the harvest following an exceptionally dry and hot summer. Precipitation this year was 60% below normal, and temperatures exceeding 40C damaged the crops.

According to Jiri Smetana, chairman of the Hops Growers Union of the Czech Republic, the yield of the Saaz variety could be 25%–30% lower than the long-term average. The poorer harvest also has a lower content of active compounds and less bitterness, meaning breweries will have to use more of it.

This year, growers should be able to manage the situation thanks to stockpiles and contracts signed in advance, but another poor season could cause problems.

Growers are therefore experimenting with more resilient varieties, such as Saaz Shine, and building smaller water reservoirs. One obstacle, however, is the conservatism of foreign customers, particularly those from China and Japan, who remain skeptical of the new varieties for now.

(Reuters, mja)