Citing “unparalleled” market demand for hops, two major Yakima Valley suppliers have merged into a new company, the Yakima Herald-Republic reported. Sunnyside-based Yakima Chief Inc. and Yakima-based Hopunion LLC — both owned by their growers — combined to become Yakima Chief-Hopunion LLC in a deal effective Aug. 1, according to a news release Tuesday. Yakima Chief, which provides hops to domestic and international brewers, already had a minority share of Hopunion since 2006. Hopunion has been the leading supplier to the craft brewing industry.
Don Bryant of Hopunion LLC will serve as CEO for Yakima Chief-Hopunion LLC. Steve Carpenter, who was CEO of Yakima Chief Inc., will serve as president and chief operating officer.
