Features of forming a unified value chain for creation of added value in the hops industry in Russia

The article presents the results of research into the hop growing industry as a single production and supply chain for the creation of an added industry, including the cycle of production and cultivation of hops, the cycle of hop processing and the cycle of supply and sale of hop products to wholesale and small wholesale consumers. The purpose of the study was to identify all the costs incurred at each stage of the hop industry's production process and to identify the main problems holding back the industry's development at each cycle of the value chain. During the work, methods of comprehensive analysis of official data on the industry from open sources were used, as well as methods of expert assessments, analogies, synthesis and generalization of the data obtained. The relevance of the study is due to the need to revive and develop the domestic hop growing industry, when, against the background of sanctions pressure from unfriendly countries, Russian producers are almost completely dependent on imported hop products, while domestically produced hop products cover no more than 5% of the existing need. Scientific novelty lies in the study and analysis of the hop growing industry as a single, continuous process, including all stages from growing hops to selling hop products to consumers. The results of the study showed that the highest investment costs along the entire chain of the hop growing industry fall on the cycle of production and cultivation of hops, that is, the stage of agricultural production. In the industry there is a virtual complete absence of Russian-made equipment, as well as comprehensive systemic (targeted) support for the industry and a shortage of qualified personnel. To solve the existing problems of the industry, it is proposed to develop a separate subprogram containing a set of measures, the implementation of which will help restore hop growing in Russia and reduce the industry’s import dependence.