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April 13, 2018 CapitalPress.com 17 Armando Avila takes sealed packages of hops pellets off the conveyor belt for packaging at the YCH HOPS ware- house in Yakima, Wash. David Leder For the Capital Press Hops supplier looks to bright future For the Capital Press It’s still a good time to be involved in the hops industry. With the worldwide ex- plosion of craft breweries and home brewing in recent years, this is an especially good time for hops business- es in Washington’s Yakima Valley, home to 75 percent of the total hops acreage in the U.S. In recent years, the region has supplanted Germany as the world’s leading hops pro- ducer, and a number of Cen- tral Washington companies are intent on continuing that trend. “The industry is at an all- time high, as brewers from around the world continue to explore the art of beer and find new ways to incorpo- rate American hops, known for their aroma and flavor,” said Alex Rumbolz, the com- munications and outreach manager for YCH HOPS, the leading hops supplier in North America. “What has helped us stand out is our ongoing re- lationships with internation- al brewers, as well as the independent craft breweries and home brewers, many of whom could be the global in- novators of tomorrow.” The YCH HOPS brand was established in 2014, when Yakima Chief Inc. and Hopunion LLC joined forc- es. The 100 percent grow- er-owned hop supplier has developed a reputation in the international brewing com- munity for its commitment to quality and service, from the farm to the production ware- house to the sales office. YCH HOPS has become known around the indus- try for its long-term vision, staying one step ahead of the competition with innovations like Cryo Hops, a proprietary cryogenic hops processing technology introduced in 2017 that contributes to the creation of more “hop-for- ward” beers. “Craft brewers are artists and they are always looking for that unique ‘color’ in their palette to create new fla- vors and aromas in their cre- ations,” Rumbolz said. “We let the brewers be the rock stars as we try to focus on the role of supporting their cre- ativity with great hops.” YCH HOPS packs about 90 percent of its hops pel- lets at a production facility in Sunnyside, about 30 miles east of Yakima, and operates warehouse facilities in Yaki- ma. The company produces and ships hops products for dozens of growers around the Yakima Valley, including Sunnyside, Moxee (about six miles east of Yakima) and the Yakama Nation Reservation (between Yakima and Sun- nyside). YCH HOPS believes the market conditions are ideal for additional growth in the years to come, but at the same time, the company recogniz- es the potential challenges, such as market saturation. “The craft beer indus- try can be unpredictable at times, with varying tastes and consumer demands fluctuating throughout the year,” Rumbolz said. “This is a challenge that all hops growers and suppliers face, and we are committed to pro- viding our growers with the most accurate forecasts pos- sible prior to each growing season.” By prioritizing relation- ships with its growers and customers, YCH HOPS ex- pects to remain at the fore- front of the hops industry, no matter what changes may arise. The company is always looking for ways that it can improve the brewing experi- ence for everyone involved. IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT BOUGHT. SOLD. RENTAL. Design of Effluent Handling Systems - Gates, Valves & Aerators New & Used Parts • Aluminum Pipe • Certa-lok • Siphon Tubes • HDPE • Sand Media Filters • Wheel Lines • Pumps www.pacsouthwestirr.com Carlos (209) 481-7677 Jim (209) 986-0099 ONV18-3/102 ONV18-4/101 By DAVE LEDER
