CALEB NICKERSON
ALLUMETTES ISLAND
Aug. 22, 2018
On Aug. 22, local hops producers hosted a press conference to announce a new seal of approval to distinguish their products from the rest.
Taking place at the Lupuline Hop Yard on Allumettes Island, the event was the work of the local hops cooperative, the Coopérative de Solidarité Houblon Pontiac (CSHP).
After an introduction from Pontiac Warden Jane Toller, CSHP President Mireille Allard joined her brother, and Lupuline owner, Charles Allard, in front of the crowd to unveil the new emblem that will adorn their product.

Featuring the acronym PQP, for Premium Quality Pellets, the seal will come with detailed guidelines to ensure that the quality of the hops is top notch. After hops are harvested, they are shredded and transformed into uniform pellets before being sent off to the brewers.
Back in March 2016, the CSHP unveiled their new top-of-the-line pelletizer machine – procured with government assistance – that allowed them to produce a high-end product that brewers would seek out. The co-op is currently servicing 10 hops growers, offering their expert advice in addition to sharing expensive machinery.
“The seal on our bags signals to brewers that we have consistent quality,” Mireille explained.
Following the presentation, guests were invited for a tour of the hop yard, taking in row upon row of lush vines that stretched several feet above their heads.