At Charles Faram, we’ve watched the evolution of hops from simple bittering agents to the star of the show in some of the most innovative beers around the World. As we explore different corners of the globe, one thing is clear: New Zealand has emerged as a source of distinctive and impactful hop varieties.

The Rise of New Zealand’s Hop Heritage

While traditional hop-growing regions such as the UK, Germany, and the US still boast solid reputations for volume and heritage, New Zealand has quietly established itself as a source of high-impact aroma hops with unique qualities found nowhere else.

It’s not just about having good hops; it’s about cultivating hops that are refreshingly different.

Thanks to their geographical isolation, New Zealand hop farmers have the freedom to develop unique cultivars, unburdened by the pests and diseases that plague their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. When you combine this with their temperate climate, pristine air, and optimal growing conditions, you end up with hops that are rich in essential oils and vibrant, complex aromas.

Why Local Brewers Are Embracing New Zealand Hops

Brewers across the globe are raving about New Zealand’s hops: they seek something new, something expressive, and something that offers creative possibilities in the brewhouse. Enter the growing group’s native varieties.

Take Nelson Sauvin, with its unmistakable notes of white grape and Sauvignon Blanc, this hop has quickly become a favourite for IPAs and modern pale ales. Then we have Superdelic™, known for its unique oil chemistry profile, which produces distinctive flavours and aromas of Red Fruit, Candy/Lolly, Citrus, and Tropical Fruit. And let’s not forget Nectaron®, the rising star renowned for its explosive tropical intensity that practically leaps out of your glass.

These hops don’t just infuse flavour; they help craft a unique identity for every brew.

A Reliable Path to Exceptional Hops

As the demand for our exceptional hops continues to rise, access can become competitive. That’s where we excel.

At Charles Faram, we’ve established strong partnerships with NZ Hops Ltd, New Zealand’s primary hop co-operative. We’re not merely suppliers; we’re collaborators. We have a deep understanding of their harvest and the growers who cultivate these unique varieties, enabling us to bring the best of New Zealand hops directly to your brewhouse. The hops are stored under optimum conditions and are ready whenever you need them.

Through proactive pre-contracting and early forecasting, we help brewers secure the hops they need in advance. Plus, with our expert technical team at your disposal, we can provide advice on usage rates, suitable beer styles, and recommendations for pairing with other global hop varieties.

Connecting with the World

New Zealand hops shine brilliantly on their own, but they also complement hops from other regions beautifully. Want to blend Nelson Sauvin with Citra® for an extra burst of fruitiness? Or perhaps soften the intensity of Simcoe® pine with a touch of Rakau® stonefruit and fig qualities? We’ve witnessed brewers innovate with exciting combinations, often achieving stunning results.

The benefit of our global hop portfolio is that it allows you to experiment across borders while maintaining impeccable quality.

What Lies Ahead?

Looking to the future, we’re particularly excited about the innovations on the horizon from New Zealand’s hop breeding programmes. The focus is shifting beyond bold aromas to include sustainability, disease resistance, and the development of varieties that cater to modern beer styles.

We take an active role in the programme by bringing together trial hops with our brewing customers for brewing assessments in the Bract Programme.

We’ll keep you informed about emerging hop varieties in the coming years, and as always, we’ll be at the forefront, ready to deliver them to you.

Let’s Brew Something Unique

At Charles Faram, we don’t just sell hops; we connect communities. We bridge the gap between dedicated growers and innovative brewers, merging tradition with modernity. New Zealand hops embody everything we love about this industry: family values, collaboration, creativity, and that magical moment when you crack open a beer and think, “Wow. What is that?”

Explore our wide range of brewing ingredients and discover how Charles Faram can assist you in creating your next exceptional beer.