one ingredient. endless possibilities.
To best serve our busy brewers, we must constantly evolve the techniques and technologies we employ to grow, process, package and ship hops around the world to maximize freshness and conserve resources. We work diligently to ensure high standards of excellence in how our hops are dried and processed to preserve the brewing value and overall quality.
From game-changing products like Cryo Hops®, to state-of-the-art energy-efficient facilities and online information resources, we’re always looking to anticipate and initiate the next trend in beer to support our community with leading edge products, tools and information.
Innovative origins
The roots of our pioneering history start with the reinvention of the entire business.
It all started with the decision to become the only grower-owned network of hop farms partnering with brewers around the world. Only by establishing a direct relationship between hop masters and brewmasters could we create a culture of ongoing investment in new product discovery, process improvement and sustainability.
Farming Innovation
Like brewing, much of farming comes down to understanding and controlling the many variables that can compromise the end product. We realized early on that to achieve consistent results across many different growers and growing seasons, there had to be a solid quality program. So we created one. Green Chief® is our system of cooperative standards, checks and balances that equip our growers with the tools needed to raise the bar, year after year. This ensures we deliver exactly what brewers are looking for in their kettle.
Grower Innovation
There’s an entrepreneurial spirit that drives our grower network to constantly improve how we develop, grow, harvest and process some of the world’s most in-demand hops. The direct connection Yakima Chief Hops fosters between growers and brewers provides the inspiration and feedback needed to anticipate trends and proactively improve operations to be more efficient and productive.
Breeding Innovation
Yakima Chief Ranches (formerly Select Botanicals Group) truly defines the leading edge of hop science. Through their partnership in Hop Breeding Company*, they have jointly contributed to the release of some of the most exciting new hop brands on the market today. Yakima Chief Hops has the honor of bringing these innovations to market.
*for more information on YCR or Hop Breeding Company, please visit www.yakimachiefranches.com or www.hopbreeding.com.
Organic Hops
It takes a lot of dedication, time and resources to produce quality organic hops. Growing requires more labor for weed control and alternate means of pest control. Certified organic hops are produced according to the federal standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). When producing organic hops, hop farms and processors adhere to USDA regulations.
In 2019, Organic Hops Northwest (OHN) and Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) entered into a partnership, working to expand access to organic hops and enhance opportunities for the entire organic hops supply chain.
YCH goes through WSDA inspections at all facilities for our certification. Producing organic products requires strict procedures for cleaning, which means more labor and production time. In accordance with USDA Organic Regulations, this certification ensures that no chemicals were used on any products labeled as Organic and enforces efforts to maintain the natural environment so you can receive a natural product.
Yakima Chief Hops supplies a wide range of hop varieties, including, Simcoe®, Citra®, Mosaic®, Pekko®, Jarrylo® and Azacca®. Additional varieties will be added as the program continues to evolve. For current pricing and availability, contact us at [email protected].
Our Organic Growers
WSDA Organic Certificate (Yakima)
WSDA Organic Certificate (Sunnyside)
To learn about the varieties Yakima Chief Hops offers, please visit our store HERE
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
One of the great things about bringing growers and brewers together is that it accelerates the development of groundbreaking products. Needs become ideas, which become solutions that help brewers make their next beer their best beer. With innovations like Cryo Hops® and new processing solutions, Yakima Chief Hops is always striving to stay ahead of what’s next in beer.
