Distinctive beer flavor starts here - with the hops. At Yakima Chief, Inc. great care is taken to protect the integrity of the cones throughout every phase of hop growing and processing. Yakima Chief's Best Management Practices Program helps us to keep our quality commitment to the brewing industry. Drip irrigation reduces water usage and protects the environment by lowering fertilizer usage and controlling nitrate levels. In the area of plant disease and insect control, our laboratory personnel work closely with growers to implement biological and chemical programs that limit the use of pesticides, protect the land and assure a consistent supply of quality hops for the future. Yakima Chief owners grow over 20% of the hop acreage in the United States.

On-premise laboratory testing allows each hop variety to be harvested at the peak of aroma and maturity. Better field mechanization and gentle picking reduce physical handling and hop cones are removed intact, resulting in less oxidation. As soon as the hops are received from growers, moisture content and general condition of the lot are checked. To ensure freshness, the hops reach our cold storage facilities within 48 hours of harvesting.

Yakima Chief's exclusive, hop-tracking system gives brewers the grower certifications necessary to verify precise properties and ensure quality.

The Sauve Family

We're the Sauves, one of the grower families who formed Yakima Chief, Inc. to provide brewers worldwide with consistent, high quality hops at stable, competitive prices. We live and work with the hops every day. Our experience and commitment are your guarantee of consistent product quality. Yakima Chief's staff of professionals take total responsibility for our hop products and will work with you to find the best solution for your hopping needs.