Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) has completed construction of a state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in Belgium.
The US hop merchant, which has been supplying brewers worldwide for over 30 years and fulfilled much of the need for bright alpha hop notes in many west coast style craft beers across the global beer industry, revealed how its expansion into Europe will give brewers increased access to its extensive portfolio of products and varieties as well as improved logistics and faster delivery times.
YCH Europe managing director Denis Gayte said: “Establishing a foundation here in Europe speaks to the commitment YCH has to delivering the highest quality hops directly to its global brewing customers. Our new facility ensures that our hops grown in America’s Pacific Northwest can be stored here in Europe and delivered to customers in the best possible condition.”
Located in Mont Saint Guibert, the 6,600 sqm2 warehouse includes cold storage capacity to house up to 8,800 pallets of hops, office space, a taproom and a visitor centre where customers can learn about hops and sample beers using YCH products.
As part of the new build, YCH has also invested in a homebrew production line giving it the ability to offer high-quality hop pellets in smaller size packaging for home and nano brewers – a move that will aid innovation for many experimental brewers shaping the next wave of the craft beer revolution.
The facility was also designed with sustainability in mind, as it supports an 1800-panel solar array, producing 750 MW of energy, or about half of the building’s total consumption.
The green construction, design and operation plan centres around waste diversion, water conservation and healthfulness of interior spaces, while the building runs on renewable energy and uses higher efficiency fixtures that reduce energy and water consumption.
YCH reiterated that its expansion was rooted in a desire to support brewing communities rather than to dominate. The merchant added that it prides itself on simply being a 100% grower-owned hop supplier with a mission to connect brewers with family hop farms while still leading the way with innovation, quality, customer service, sustainability and meaningful social causes at its heart.