Kiwi hop growers are expected to invest $20m into an expanding industry in the next three years, as it responds to surging global demand for craft beer ingredients.
The growth of craft beer has transformed the niche industry, which has 19 New Zealand growers.
Last year, trade reportedly delivered around $20m a year in turnover and $14m a year in export returns.
The grower-owned cooperative harvested about 750 tonnes from 389 hectares in 2015.
About 85 per cent of the hops, which are largely grown in the Motueka and Riwaka areas west of Nelson, are exported. (full story)