I'm aware of all the factors that have caused this recent hop crisis...diminishing acerage, the fire making buyers nervous, the bad growing season and new demand from China...
But I am also aware that the large macro breweries have been steadily losing market share to the craft industry for the last decade.
Do you think that the large breweries are taking advantage of the dimishing supply and the relatively new Pre-order concept to Pre-order far more than what they need in order to exacerbate the shortage and squeeze the craft industry?
It would make economic sense for them to do this...They could easily absorb the cost of storing extra hops; and they could always release them back into the market at an inflated price.
Or am I way off base?...Anyway...just a thought.
Maybe the Pre-order system could be tweaked...automatic renewals; automatic renewal plus adjustment for growth...Or keep a certain percentage of hops exempt from pre ordering?
I dont know...too much to ponder...Now I need a beer. A good hoppy NW IPA!
But I am also aware that the large macro breweries have been steadily losing market share to the craft industry for the last decade.
Do you think that the large breweries are taking advantage of the dimishing supply and the relatively new Pre-order concept to Pre-order far more than what they need in order to exacerbate the shortage and squeeze the craft industry?
It would make economic sense for them to do this...They could easily absorb the cost of storing extra hops; and they could always release them back into the market at an inflated price.
Or am I way off base?...Anyway...just a thought.
Maybe the Pre-order system could be tweaked...automatic renewals; automatic renewal plus adjustment for growth...Or keep a certain percentage of hops exempt from pre ordering?
I dont know...too much to ponder...Now I need a beer. A good hoppy NW IPA!
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