Poor hop harvest could push up beer prices

The Czech Republic is facing one of its worst hop harvests on record. According to the growers' association, this year's crop could be up to 25 percent lower than in normal years, Czech television reported.

The harvest has been affected by high temperatures, severe drought and unfavourable weather. The hops are also lacking substances that are important for brewing and determine their quality. Together with rising costs for energy, transport and packaging, the poor harvest could push up beer prices.

One major brewery has already announced a price increase due to higher production costs, and others are expected to follow. Smaller breweries could also raise their prices, as they are more vulnerable to fluctuations in input costs.