A new name is about to hit the Australasian hops scene, but it’s backed by years of quiet graft, science-driven farming, and deep collaboration with brewers.
Bold River Hops, based in North Canterbury, New Zealand, is the culmination of five years of dedicated hop-growing by a family-led team who know a thing or two about producing high-quality agricultural products – and they’re now ready to take their hops to the local and international market.
Founded by former dairy industry leaders John Penno and Maury Leyland, the family farm is taking a bold leap into the brewing world with a clear mission: to grow exceptional hops in a climate-smart, sustainable way, while forging direct, collaborative relationships with brewers.
“Both Maury and I have built careers around identifying things that New Zealand can do better than anywhere else in the world – and then doing more of those things.”
John Penno
“We’re passionate farmers, but we also think deeply about the end product. We start with the consumer, then work backwards, collaborating with manufacturers to create outstanding products.”
From milk to Motueka
The couple’s pivot from dairy to hops wasn’t just a lifestyle change – it was the product of climate research and a drive to diversify land use in rural New Zealand.
“We started growing hops in North Canterbury because our research with NIWA showed that the climate has gradually been moving further south,” John told Beer & Brewer. “The hop varieties we’re growing were bred for the climate of Motueka in the 70s – a climate that has shifted much closer to North Canterbury over the past 50 years.”
With a focus on reducing environmental impact, the team chose hops for their suitability to the region and their low-input requirements.
“In New Zealand’s climate, hops require very little insecticide or fungicide, especially compared to international production. That means we’re growing them in a way that’s gentler on the environment, and better aligned with the direction we feel farming needs to head.”
A true family operation
Bold River Hops is as grassroots as it gets. The farm is run by John, Maury, and a full cast of family members: “I’m John’s daughter,” says the farm’s marketing lead, Jamie Penno. “My stepbrother, an engineer, designed and refined our hops kiln. My cousin helps promote us at events, and my younger brothers pitch in at harvest time. The rest of our crew are all North Canterbury locals – and part of a rugby team with John and Maury!”
This familial backbone is at the heart of Bold River’s culture.
“Farming in New Zealand has always had a really strong family backbone, and we’re no different,” John says. “There are so many roles to play in a hop-growing business – from growing to harvesting to marketing and beyond – and that means there are endless opportunities for the family to get involved, learn, and contribute to something that’s new, exciting, and a lot of fun.”
What can brewers expect?
As Bold River Hops prepares to enter the Australian market, John says brewers can look forward to hops that are familiar, but with a fresh edge.
“What we’re consistently hearing from brewers is that the key characteristics each variety is known for are really shining through – but in a bolder, more distinctive way,” he says. “The expected flavour and aroma notes are all there, but they’re coming through stronger and cleaner. It’s the same varietal profile, just dialled up a notch – and brewers are loving the clarity and punch of those expressions.”
“Other than epic hops?” John laughs when asked what Bold River hopes to bring to the brewing community. “We’re offering brewers a rare opportunity – to have a direct relationship with the people growing their hops. That connection to place, to process, and to people adds a layer of depth to brewing that we think is really special.”
With a bold new name, a proven product, and a family-focused, climate-conscious ethos, Bold River Hops looks set to make a strong impression on Australian brewers looking for quality, connection, and clarity in their hop supply.
