Your cart is currently empty!
Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- North Korea, it turns out, has microbreweries
- Study suggests a beer a day can increase diversity of gut bacteria
- Beer brewed 86 years ago for Edward VIII’s canceled coronation goes on sale
- TIL that the pull tab can was invented in 1967 by Ermal Fraze after he was forced to open a beer with a car bumper at a family picnic.
- Does anyone else feel like their beer preferences “simplified” over the years?
Categories
Archive
Tags
Social Links
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Impact on Craft Beer: The Hop Hoarding Controversy
In recent developments within the brewing industry, Anheuser-Busch InBev has come under scrutiny for its practices related to hop procurement, raising concerns among craft beer enthusiasts and small brewers alike. The multinational beverage giant appears to be monopolizing hop supplies, potentially stifering competition and limiting options for local artisans dedicated to brewing unique and flavorful beers.
Hops are a fundamental ingredient in beer production, influencing not only the flavor but also the overall quality of the final product. As craft breweries have gained popularity, the demand for hops has surged, allowing smaller players to innovate and create a diverse range of styles. However, the recent trend of larger corporations, particularly Anheuser-Busch InBev, acquiring significant stockpiles of hops has created a challenging environment for independent brewers.
Industry experts argue that this practice could lead to increased prices and diminished availability of hops for smaller breweries, threatening their viability in an already competitive market. The situation calls into question the ethics of large corporations leveraging their resources to eliminate competition, which goes against the spirit of craft brewing that prioritizes creativity and community connection.
As craft beer fans, it’s crucial to remain informed about these dynamics. Supporting local breweries not only fosters innovation and diversity within the industry but also helps sustain the unique voice that small brewers bring to the table. As we navigate this shifting landscape, it’s vital to advocate for fairness and ensure that the craft beer market remains vibrant and diverse.