24/12/2013
Worcestershire hop grower Ali Capper reflects on a difficult year for growers, and shares her vision of exporting British hops to international brewers seeking new flavours.
British hop farming has been in long term decline but the industry is on the brink of a renaissance, according to growers Ali and Richard Capper. Ali tells Sarah Swadling that 2013 has been a tricky year, with the late spring and hot July hampering growth. Ali's long term view is that British hops could find exciting new export markets. She says that brewers in America, Germany, and New Zealand are beginning to discover the subtle flavours that only British hops can deliver. The Cappers also grow eating, cooking, and cider apples. Ali tells Sarah that niche export markets could also await the fruit.
Produced and presented by Sarah Swadling.
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- Christmas Eve 201305:45BBC Radio 4
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