In early September 2025, Mill 95 welcomed a trade delegation from Mexico’s brewing sector as part of an educational initiative led by the Idaho Hop Growers Commission, with support from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
Funded through a state agricultural grant, the visit introduced Mexican brewers, brokers, and importers to Idaho’s hop industry.
The goal: deepen understanding of Idaho’s production standards and explore opportunities to expand U.S. hop exports into one of North America’s most dynamic beer markets.
A Multi-Day Overview
The delegation spent several days touring Idaho’s hop-growing region, visiting multiple farms and processing facilities before arriving at Mill 95.
On Wednesday, September 10, Mill 95 hosted a dinner for the group, followed by a full facility tour on Thursday, September 11, where attendees observed every stage of hop handling, including receiving, pelletizing, storage, and shipping.
The itinerary also included brewery visits, grower roundtables, and discussions with state officials and industry representatives.
“It was an excellent visit,” says Carlos Raygoza of Central Altiplano. “And we learned a lot about the process and details … we loved getting to know the farms/growers and all the people from Idaho.”
Mexico’s Expanding Brewing Sector
Mexico is one of the world’s largest beer exporters, shipping more than 40 million hectoliters (34.1 million barrels) annually, led by global brands such as Modelo and Heineken México.
In recent years, the country’s craft beer segment has grown by double digits, with brewers increasingly seeking distinctive hop varieties and consistent quality.
Because hop cultivation in Mexico remains limited by climate and infrastructure, brewers rely heavily on imports, especially from the United States.
Building stronger trade and technical ties with Idaho producers supports this growing demand and encourages long-term collaboration.
Idaho’s Role in Global Hop Supply
In 2024, the state of Idaho harvested just under 6,000 acres of hops, ranking it the second-largest hop-producing state in the United States..
ISDA is strengthening its partnership with Mexico, with agricultural exports exceeding $1.3 billion in 2024 (with nearly one-third bound for Mexico).
By promoting Idaho hops to a market that already values U.S. agricultural products, the Commission and Mill 95 are working to secure a foothold for Idaho’s hop growers in a strategically important region.
The Idaho Hop Growers Commission, ISDA, and Mill 95 view the 2025 visit as a foundational step toward stronger trade relationships, expanded market access, and shared learning across borders.
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About Mill 95
Located in the heart of Idaho’s hop country, Mill 95 Hops partners with growers and brewers to ensure premium quality from harvest to brew kettle.
The company’s state-of-the-art processing facility provides milling, pelletizing, and cold-storage services that meet international standards for purity and consistency.
