Visit from Sapporo Breweries (Tokyo - Japan) at our Brumath site

This October 2016 we had the honor of receiving a visit from Sapporo Breweries at our Brumath site.

Mr UEMOTO (hop breeder) and Mr NOKURA (purchasing department) were accompanied by Mr HOHENTANNER and Mr SASAKI from SKW, our local distributor and importer, and came to discover our technical expertise and to disclose their requirements with regard to their suppliers.

The recent listing of our Barbe Rouge variety among the selections of this leading Japanese company is a tribute to the quality of our variety, but it also requires that we comply with all compulsory procedures pertaining to the Japanese market, and in particular those relating to product quality.

Alsatian growers will play a very active role in the ongoing commitment to quality improvement.

Comptoir Agricole took the opportunity during this work session to discuss the recent harvest and future trends relating to Alsatian hops planted areas. The presentation of results concerning research plans and future varieties in the coming years was followed by sampling of the main selections.

The day ended with a visit to a farm (Mr PFISTER) and discussions with the young planters, sons of the owner.

Other visits are scheduled for the coming months, to Japan and to Alsace, to promote this new partnership.

Mr Nokura and Mr Uemoto (Sapporo) listening to explanations from Francis Heitz on re-packaging hops at the Brumath site

Mr Uemoto and Mr Nokura (Sapporo)

Mr Uemoto sampling hops

Mr Nokura sampling hops

Mr Uemoto and Mr Hohentanner

From left to right: Mr Sasaki and Mr Hohentanner (SKW), Francis Heitz, Mr Uemoto (Sapporo), the two brothers from the Pfister family and Bernadette Laugel

Mr Pfister’s hops farm following reception