Dear reader,
We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19 on both a local and international level. The safety of our employees and customers is paramount and we are doing everything we can to keep safety at top-of-mind while working to minimize any possible disruptions. Nearly all Hopsteiner employees have received the COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
We are committed to keeping our customers connected with the choicest hops and hop products from across the globe and will continue to service orders as expeditiously as possible. Let us know what we can do to help – we’re here to support you and the industry in any way we can.
Current Status Updates:
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Farm update:
The 2020 Harvest was completed months ago and the 2021 growing season is still in its early stages so the supply of raw hops is not an issue at this time. The weather conditions have been favorable thus far and the crop is progressing well.
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Processing update:
The Pellet Plant processing season is complete for the 2020 crop and our CO2 Hop Extract and Downstream Product plants continue to operate continuously with little to no downtime. We are once again welcoming visitors to our facilities and we are adhering to all requisite mask and social distancing guidelines. We ask that you please carefully consider any site visits you may have planned or may be planning, and reach out to a Hopsteiner representative with any questions or concerns.
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Shipping:
We are shipping with little to no delay at this time. It is advised that customers carefully review current inventory to avoid product shortages. Take advantage of our Online Portal, which is accessible at any time to review your contract balances and place any spot orders you may need. There have been sporadic domestic shipping delays due to bottlenecks in the shipping industry and container availability for international shipments continues to be challenging. Please plan for additional shipping lead times if possible, but refrain from panic. There is currently no need to over-purchase or request excessive deliveries.
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COVID-19 outbreak and the WA state’s food supply network:
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) director Derek Sandison released the following statement regarding agriculture, food production, and food distribution.
Agriculture and food production is an essential industry that feeds our communities and serves a vital role in the state’s economy. I want to extend my personal thanks to our farmers and ranchers and to all the hard-working people in the agriculture and food industry whose jobs cannot be performed remotely and who continue to show up every day to keep our critical food infrastructure rock solid.
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, I want to assure the industry and the public that we are committed to keeping Washington’s food supply chain open and operational. State and federal government is actively working with producers, processors and distributors to ensure that the food supply chain continues to function and support our communities through these difficult and uncertain circumstances.
There is no need for the public to be concerned that store shelves will go empty, as farmers, ranchers and food processors are producing plenty to meet our needs. Deliveries to grocery stores, too, are continuing at a steady pace.I know Washington’s agriculture industry has the full support of Governor Jay Inslee during this challenging period. “We are in uncharted territory that requires creativity and flexibility, but that is nothing new for Washington’s farmers, food processors, and food distributors,” Gov. Inslee said. “The public should know that we are doing everything we can to ensure that all Washingtonians continue to have access to safe, healthy food.”
Our state government, the agriculture community, distribution networks, and all the many related industries will continue working together to overcome any obstacles we may face as we work to maintain operational continuity of our food supply chain. Please visit https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/ for more information on statewide actions and recommendations.
Again, Hopsteiner is keeping track of the situation as it evolves and will keep in close contact if anything changes that may impact our operations or our ability to deliver product in a timely manner. The safety of our employees, commitment to customers, and our steadfast focus on food safety have always been institutional pillars at Hopsteiner and we are more committed than ever to make sure this remains our top priority.
Please visit https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/