pplThe 2026 hop harvest has been completed at Grainrus hop farms in the Krasnodar Krai.
Harvesting is one of the most critical stages in hop production. Harvest timing is closely linked to cone maturity and their technological characteristics, making it essential to determine the optimal harvesting window for each variety. The varieties harvested in Krasnodar Krai this year include Cascade, Nugget and Mandarina Bavaria.
Most of the 2026 crop was harvested in September, while participants of the Southern Brewers Forum had the opportunity to attend the final day of the harvest campaign and see the entire process firsthand.
After the plants are cut, they are sent for processing. The hop cones are separated from the plant material using specialized equipment, after which the hops undergo drying and further preparation for storage. Maintaining the required process parameters at each stage helps preserve the valuable components and quality characteristics of the hops.
Grainrus Hmel operates a full-cycle production model, covering everything from breeding and cultivation to processing and preparing hops for further use. Following processing, the harvested 2026 crop will be available to the brewing industry.
The completion of the harvest marks the beginning of the next stage of work with the crop, aimed at maintaining its stability and quality throughout storage and subsequent use.
