Hop industry

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The global demand for hops from breweries and merchants, alongside supply from growers, contributes to its success in international trade. A good yield benefits hop growers, merchants, brewers, and consumers alike. While no single book can encompass all aspects of hops and its industry, this work provides an overview of the hop sector and models that aid decision-making in agri-business. It includes two case studies on decision support systems focused on quality management in the hop industry, specifically in hop breeding and pre-harvest quality estimation. The first case study details a model developed using experimental breeding data, which serves as a decision-making tool for experts assessing the breeding potential of new hop varieties. The second case study investigates how four key weather parameters—temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and relative humidity—affect the alpha-acid content of hops, identifying critical weather periods that influence these levels. The findings validate the models for further research. The chapters build on the author's previous work, reflecting over twenty years of research, management, and advisory experience in the global hop industry.