Hopsteiner showcases innovations in hop aromas and new varieties

Tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive at Hopsteiner. The company has been established as a hop trading house since 1845, but its focus has long been on new products, varieties, and processing methods. At drinktec 2025, the family-owned company will be presenting several highlights that are significant for both breweries and manufacturers of innovative beverages.

LLZ: Citrus aroma derived entirely from hops

One highlight of the presentation is the new product LLZ. This is a hop aroma derived 100% from hops and offering intense citrus notes. This characteristic opens up a wide range of possible applications – from flavored hop waters to beer-like beverages. LLZ provides a fresh, light note that is particularly appealing in summer temperatures or in modern tap houses. At the trade fair stand, visitors were not only able to smell the aroma, but also taste it in finished beverages such as a sparkling hop water.

New hop variety Nobella as an alternative to classic cultivars

With Nobella, Hopsteiner presents a new variety that is intended as a robust alternative to traditional noble hop varieties. The background to this is the increasing pressure from climate change, drought stress, and disease pressure, which have put proven varieties such as Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Hersbrucker under pressure in recent years. Nobella combines the aromatic similarity to these classics with a high resistance to disease and heat. The variety is already being used in “Nobella Light Lager,” which was presented at the trade fair. It combines a balanced bitterness with a classic aroma profile and demonstrates the potential for future brewing productions.

Product diversity with SalvoPlus, Alora, and Solero

In addition to LLZ and Nobella, Hopsteiner presented further new developments. These include the products Salvo and SalvoPlus, which open up new possibilities in hop processing. The portfolio is complemented by various pellet samples that give breweries a direct impression of the aromas. Varieties such as Alora, Solero, and Akoya could be tested not only in their raw state, but also in ready-to-sell beers. Visitors thus had the opportunity to experience the entire spectrum of innovations – from the aroma profile to the taste in the glass.

Refreshing beverages with modern hop aromas

A central theme at the booth was the tasting of innovative beverages. A sparkling hop water with LLZ impressed with its refreshing citrus notes and light texture. It is ideal as a non-alcoholic summer drink and is also suitable for the catering industry. Hopsteiner also presented Nobella Light Lager, a beer creation that impressively demonstrates how robust new hop varieties can be used in terms of taste. Both products demonstrate the versatility of hops beyond classic beer styles.

Tradition meets the future in hop growing

The trade fair appearances illustrate how Hopsteiner sees its role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. The company has been shaping the hop market for almost two centuries, but with projects such as Nobella and LLZ, it is presenting itself as ensuring that future generations can also benefit from stable, sustainable, and at the same time aromatically exciting varieties. Hopsteiner is thus positioning itself not only as a reliable partner for breweries, but also as a driving force for the entire beverage industry.