Hopping Mad at InBev

Anheuser-Busch of Budweiser fame have always used the same hop in their ubiquitous brew. Although these days, in minimal quantities, they stuck to "Hallertauer Mittelfrüh", an aroma hop variety with a spicy aromatic lemon taste. Now with Anheuser-Busch having been taken over by InBev, the bean counters at InBev have put an end to Anheuser-Busch’s “We have always done it this way”. Hallertauer Mittelfrüh is to be replaced by other hop varieties in Anheuser-Busch’s beers. Hop farmers in the Hallertau are appalled: Hallertauer Mittelfrüh covers ten percent of their total acreage and new buyers will have to be found, though given the general shortage of hops that may not be so difficult, even with bumper crops expected this year.

So there you have another consequence of global domination by the dreaded InBev. Another interersting little outcome of the takeover is that AB-InBev are set to sell off their German breweries including Spaten, Gilde and Hassroder, though the Spaten sale is complicated by the fact that InBev own only the brand, - the brewery is leased to InBev in a complicated deal with the previous owners, which may yet bite each of the parties on the bum.

Finally in this little German round up, Heineken have failed to acquire a majority stake in their joint venture with Bayerische Brau Holding. This means Paulaner / Hacker Pschorr stays in German control, so probably two cheers for that.