We are pleased that Charles Faram is a corporate member of the Trust.
Situated in the heart of the largest hop-growing region in the UK, Charles Faram has been a cornerstone of the UK’s hop industry since 1865. Charles Shacklock Faram established a Hop Merchant business in Worcester at the height of the hop growing acreage in the UK. Beer production in the UK (mainly bitter and mild and mostly cask beer) relied on British hop varieties to produce the traditional flavours associated with those beers.
The firm remained in the family until a management buyout took place in 1943 and a new board was established, with Frank Leek as the Managing Director. In 1984, after the Hops Marketing Board was disbanded the business was bought by the Hawkins Family, hop growers from Herefordshire. It has been in their ownership ever since. In 1987 the company moved to its existing premises at Newlands in Worcestershire. Since this time the business has expanded its reach internationally, establishing offices and cold storage facilities in the US hop capital Yakima, Washington, in Poland and in Ontario, Canada.
While renowned for importing a vast catalogue of international hops from regions such as Germany, USA, Slovenia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Belgium, and France, Charles Faram has also carved a niche in developing their own hop varieties. Since 2009, their Hop Development Programme has pioneered new aromas and flavours while addressing challenges like disease resistance and sustainability. This meticulous process begins with 10,000 seedlings, whittled down over 5 years of trials to find just one variety fit for commercial release.
Charles Faram’s commitment to the environment is equally impressive. The team are involved in collaborative research with other programmes and institutions for climate proofing, and sustainability solutions. Beyond hops, Charles Faram serves as the original one-stop shop for brewers. Their extensive inventory started building in 1994 and includes malts, brewing aids, yeasts, purees, flavourings, sensory training kits, and lab equipment. This comprehensive approach has made them a trusted partner for breweries.
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