The buying brief for hops and brewing adjuncts
Hops and adjuncts can arrive in cartons, sacks or sealed packs with different handling limits. Specify the packaging and protect labels and seals during pallet movement.
Choose a new base around the packed load and receiving requirements. New timber is a condition choice; the supplier still needs to confirm the specific construction and intended use.
What needs particular attention
Mixing small packs into a larger stack can hide unsupported edges and create uneven pressure. Request the proposed specification in writing, compare it with the receiver’s policy and confirm how a representative loaded pallet will be evaluated.
| Load to describe | Sealed hop cartons assembled for a brewing production run |
|---|---|
| Product-specific details | Pack sizes; sensitive seals; storage conditions; order segregation |
| Order-specific details | New construction; batch quantity; condition criteria; receiver specification |
| Pallet footprint | Confirm 1200 × 800 mm and any additional construction or pool requirements. |
| Handling route | State how the loaded pallet moves, is stored and is accepted by the receiver. |
Prepare the enquiry
- Include a photograph or drawing of sealed hop cartons assembled for a brewing production run, with the packed dimensions and loaded mass.
- Explain pack sizes; sensitive seals; storage conditions; order segregation so the proposed base can be compared with the load.
- Add new construction; batch quantity; condition criteria; receiver specification and distinguish confirmed requirements from items awaiting a decision.
- Send the delivery postcode and unloading arrangements. Ask for availability, suitability and delivery to be confirmed in the quotation.
Use the Euro pallet quotation checklist to bring those details together. For a condition comparison, see new versus recycled Euro pallets.
Before agreeing the order
Review the proposed base against the packed goods, the handling equipment and the receiver’s written policy. If an eligible exchange pallet is required, state that separately from the 1200 × 800 footprint. Confirm treatment and marking requirements for export where relevant.
Keep the agreed specification with the dispatch instruction. If the packaging, load pattern or handling route changes, revisit the enquiry rather than assuming the previous base remains suitable.
