UK distributor Steiner Hops is set for growth following a significant expansion of its Woking warehouse.
Russell Falconer, managing director of Steiner Hops, at the company’s new warehouse
Steiner Hops supplies more than 500 tonnes of hops each year to customers ranging from craft brewers to household-name mass-market breweries.
Now, following a £1.1 million funding package from Lloyds Bank, the business has moved into a new warehouse facility that will help to boost turnover by up to 10% and create at least two new jobs.
The 8,000 sq ft warehouse, at Henley Business Park in Woking, has been tailor-made with bespoke cold storage facilities, increased space for packaging and distribution, and a mezzanine floor housing offices for six staff.
The new facilities give Steiner Hops the space and flexibility to package its products into a range of mixed varieties and pallet quantities, which is required by brewers such as Bedford-based Brewpoint. This will help the firm meet rising demand from its growing customer base of some 400 small and independent breweries.
It is also using the funding to launch an online web store for micro- and home breweries to acquire hops.
‘Innovative hop products’
Russell Falconer, managing director of Steiner Hops Ltd, said: “For more than 40 years, we’ve been supplying breweries of all sizes, offering a unique range of innovative hop products designed to enhance flavour, aroma, consistency, and flexibility.
“The expansion into our new warehouse gives us the space to continue growing and providing our customers — small and large — with the very best products.
“The support we’ve received from Lloyds Bank has helped us position ourselves for growth and allowed us to take that next step in our development journey, as we expand our support to smaller breweries.”
Steiner Hops is the UK subsidiary of the Hopsteiner group, an international hops producer founded in 1845 that supplies breweries worldwide.
Geoff Smith, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Steiner Hops plays an essential role in supporting quality British brewing, which is growing in popularity. For example, the craft beer market has added 1.9 million new customers over the last three years, according to the CGA. It’s fantastic to see the business contribute to this growth and build on its existing reputation for excellence.
“We’re working arm in arm with businesses across the UK, providing the tailored support and funding they need to achieve their growth ambitions.”
