MyFarm Launches $17.6m Hop Garden Investment
MyFarm has launched a $17.64 million investment into what will become New Zealand’s largest hop garden.
The opportunity to invest in Tapawera Hop Garden Limited Partnership includes the purchase of a 96-hectare property and
the lease of a second 50-hectare property which will be developed into a 116 canopy (effective) hectare garden. Half of
the garden will be planted this spring alongside other development such as building hop picking and drying facilities
and worker accommodation.
Tapawera Hop Garden Limited Partnership is expected to reach full maturity in the Financial Year ending 30 June 2022 and
projected to generate an average annual cash return of 15% p.a by 2023.
The offer includes a $3 million stake in new hop exporter Hop Revolution Ltd, which will manage the garden and market
the hops offshore.
Hop Revolution Ltd in 2017 secured access to the plant variety rights for some of New Zealand’s most sought - after
aroma hop varieties. Chairman, John Loughlin says the company believes it can add considerable value to the way New
Zealand hops are marketed internationally.
“Like Zespri and Rockit apples we’re aiming to create brand value for growers by contracting directly with select craft
breweries to supply them with commercial quantities of high quality hops of the varieties they’re looking for.”
Global craft beer sales are projected to grow by a compound 19.9% p.a. and are forecast to reach US$500 billion by 2025[1]. John Loughlin says New Zealand spray-free aroma hops are highly sought after by international brewers for the unique
flavours and aromas they impart in beer.
MyFarm CEO Andrew Watters says he’s been pleased at the level of interest from New Zealand investors prior to the
release, which is MyFarm’s first hop garden offer.
“We have had calls from investors asking when we are opening this offer because they don’t want to miss out. I think
this is related to hops being quite a closed sector until now and people understanding the significant growth potential
as a result of drinkers switching to craft beer.”
The total productive area of hops gardens in NZ today is approximately 600 canopy hectares. All but one of these growers
supply the grower co-operative, New Zealand Hops Limited (“NZ Hops Ltd”), and the average size of their holdings is
estimated at 23 Cha.
Applications for the Tapawera Hops Limited Partnership offer for 1,764 parcels of $10,000 closes Friday 31 August.
ENDS
KEY INFORMATION – TAPAWERA HOPS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP:
• A 116 canopy hectare hop garden plus equipment and infrastructure.
• Located in the Nelson hop heartland.
• Investment includes a $3 million investment in Hop Revolution – the company responsible for breeding, managing
PVRs and marketing hops directly to craft brewers.
• Cash returns forecast to start in 2021 rising to 15% p.a. in 2023.
• Minimum investment $100,000.
• Offer closes 31 August 2018.
AN INSIGHT INTO NZ AROMA HOPS
Analysis by Con Williams, MyFarm Head of Investment Research
Craft beer styles are taking market share from traditional lagers and have strong growth prospects.
Beer consumption has plateaued in many developed markets driven by demographic changes, competition from new styles of
alcohol beverages, higher taxes, tighter drinking regulations, health concerns and the premiumisation of the category.
But the numbers show globally many drinkers are opting for a ‘less is more approach’ trading up to craft beer and the
different premium styles it encompasses. This due to their on-trend features of offering radically different flavours
and taste experiences that can be matched with a variety of occasions and consumer preferences.
Hops are a key ingredient in crafty beer and more specifically the aroma varietals. While New Zealand is only a small
supplier, accounting for less than 1% of global hop production, our product is known for its ‘terroir’ – the
characteristic taste and flavour imparted by the environment in which it is produced. Similar to New Zealand’s unique
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc many of our hop varietals, such as Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka, attract the same recognition
and price premiums.
In many ways this Tapawera opportunity bears similar hallmarks to other export success stories, such as SunGold, or
Rockit Apples, which are based around well-functioning vertically integrated supply chains, product uniqueness with
trademarked intellectual property, targeting premium market segments and the creation of strong brands. This blue print
is fuelling development of many horticultural crops in New Zealand.