Hop shortage sweet for growers

A GLOBAL shortage of hops is playing havoc with the tastebuds of boutique beer drinkers but has reinvigorated the local hops market.

As a result, some small brewers had to use another variety of hops, effectively changing their style of beer.

"Or they have had to move totally away from that style of beer and create a new beer with whatever hops are available," Mr Meddings said.

Australia's biggest hop company, Hop Products Australia, is doubling its acreage under hops at Rostrevor Hop Gardens, near Myrtleford in northern Victoria.

Mr Lord said there were thousands of hop varieties, with about 60 commonly grown for beer.

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