In late January, John I. Haas Inc. (Haas), a leader in hop production, was awarded the prestigious Top of the Trellis Sustainability Award at the American Hop Convention in Coronado, California. This recognition highlights Haas’ dedication to environmental stewardship in the hop farming sector. Let’s discuss this award and the latest news in general from this leading hop grower and broker.
Why Haas won the award
The Top of the Trellis Award is a distinguished honor, awarded by the Hop Growers of America (HGA). It acknowledges commercial hop operations excelling in four key areas of sustainability: soil health, water conservation, integrated pest management and energy efficiency. Haas was recognized for its innovative practices that reduce energy consumption, improve water management and promote healthy soil through sustainable farming practices. From the press release:
“Haas has proudly cultivated hops in the Yakima Valley for nearly a century, navigating market shifts and continually improving our operations to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Pete Mahony, Vice President of Supply Chain and Purchasing. “This award reflects our enduring commitment to sustainability across all facets of our farming and production practices, ensuring a vibrant future for both the hop industry and our community.”
Haas has made significant strides in incorporating eco-friendly methods while maintaining high-quality hop production. This commitment spans decades of innovation and improvement, not just in farming but also in social and economic sustainability. From employee development to community engagement, Haas’ holistic approach ensures long-term benefits for both the hop industry and the broader community.
Euphorics: A new innovation
In another bold move, Haas launched its Euphorics hop products in the Canadian and South American markets late last year. This water-soluble hop product provides craft brewers with new opportunities to enhance the flavor and aroma of their beers and beverages. Euphorics taps into natural botanical flavors, offering brewers a fresh way to improve their products without compromising process efficiency. Currently available in four exciting flavors — Cosmic Guava, Peachy Keen, Pomelo Daydream, and Pineapple Paradise — Euphorics opens the door to new creative possibilities, whether for hop-heavy brews, hop waters or even hard seltzers.
Former Haas CEO honored
In a further testament to Haas’ legacy, Alex Barth, former CEO of John I. Haas, received the Order of the Hop at the 2024 International Hop Growers Convention in Poland. This prestigious award recognized his decades of leadership in the hop industry, particularly for his role in introducing innovative hop varieties like Citra and Mosaic, which revolutionized the global craft beer scene.
A rich history of innovation
The story of John I. Haas dates back to 1914, when John I. Haas, a young entrepreneur from Britain, founded the company. Despite the challenges of World War I, Prohibition and the Great Depression, Haas grew into one of the largest private hop growers globally. By the 1930s, Haas was introducing more quality-driven farming practices and acquiring farms in the Yakima Valley.
In 1977, Haas became part of the Barth-Haas Group, solidifying its position as a global leader in hop production. Under the leadership of Fred Haas, the company expanded into hop extracts, laying the groundwork for future innovations. The Hop Breeding Company partnership in the 2000s led to the creation of ground-breaking hop varieties, including Citra, Mosaic and Equinox.
Today, Haas remains at the forefront of hop innovation, with its Innovations Brewery in Yakima, Washington, offering a state-of-the-art platform for developing new hop flavors and brewing techniques.
Looking to the future
As Haas celebrates over a century of leadership, its sustainability efforts, research investments and cutting-edge hop products ensure it remains a trusted partner for brewers worldwide. By continuing to innovate and uphold the values established by its founder, Haas is shaping the future of hop farming, brewing and the craft beer industry. For more updates on Haas’ sustainability initiatives and innovations, keep an eye on our latest industry news or maybe sign up for our newsletter right here.
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