Craft beer industry could be caught on the hops as shortage looms

Blighted European hop harvest last year and growing demand for craft beer may see prices rise too high for some independent brewers

Fans of craft beer could soon face higher bar bills as small, independent brewers face a potentially serious shortage of hops.

The hot and dry weather last summer blighted the European hop harvest, and strong demand for craft beers, many of which use a large amount of hops, is putting small brewers' profit margins under pressure and forcing them to raise prices.