The German Hop Growers Association has released a new crop estimate indicating that the total hop yield for Germany in 2024 is expected to reach 48,964 tons, which is about 19% higher than the 2023 harvest and approximately 55% above the poor crop year of 2022. This significant increase, however, comes at a time when the market is facing oversupply. Despite poor harvests in the past two years, breweries are well-stocked with hops. With global beer sales declining, the brewing industry has been building large reserves of hops, resulting in low current interest in purchasing new supplies.
Official estimates for the major hop-growing regions predict a yield of about 42,350 tons in Hallertau. Tettnang is expected to produce 2,915 tons, Elbe-Saale 2,897 tons, Spalt 765 tons, and Bitburg 37 tons.
The complex weather conditions in 2024 led to significant challenges for hop growers in pest and disease management, with aphids, flea beetles, and fungal diseases like downy mildew requiring extensive control measures.
Despite these difficulties, the overall quality of the 2024 crop is expected to be strong, with alpha acid content predicted to be in the average range following two years of subpar results.
With the 2024 harvest expected to contribute significantly to the already ample hop supplies, growers may face pressure on spot prices. However, many have secured their yields under pre-contracts at fixed prices, offering some economic stability amid fluctuating market conditions and providing some hope for slightly improved incomes.
A roughly average hop harvest is also expected globally. Notably, there has been a significant reduction in hop acreage in the USA over the past two years, with a decrease of about 25%. Australia has also announced a similar reduction in hops acreage by 21%, albeit from a much lower overall figure. (inside.beer, 2.5.2024) The continuing high stock levels could potentially lead to further reductions in planting.
Germany: Hop Industry Expects Bumper Crop
The Market Is Facing Oversupply
The German Hop Growers Association has released a new crop estimate indicating that the total hop yield for Germany in 2024 is expected to reach 48,964 tons, which is about 19% higher than the 2023 harvest and approximately 55% above the poor crop year of 2022. This significant increase, however, comes at a time when the market is facing oversupply. Despite poor harvests in the past two years, breweries are well-stocked with hops. With global beer sales declining, the brewing industry has been building large reserves of hops, resulting in low current interest in purchasing new supplies.
Official estimates for the major hop-growing regions predict a yield of about 42,350 tons in Hallertau. Tettnang is expected to produce 2,915 tons, Elbe-Saale 2,897 tons, Spalt 765 tons, and Bitburg 37 tons.
The complex weather conditions in 2024 led to significant challenges for hop growers in pest and disease management, with aphids, flea beetles, and fungal diseases like downy mildew requiring extensive control measures.
Despite these difficulties, the overall quality of the 2024 crop is expected to be strong, with alpha acid content predicted to be in the average range following two years of subpar results.
With the 2024 harvest expected to contribute significantly to the already ample hop supplies, growers may face pressure on spot prices. However, many have secured their yields under pre-contracts at fixed prices, offering some economic stability amid fluctuating market conditions and providing some hope for slightly improved incomes.
A roughly average hop harvest is also expected globally. Notably, there has been a significant reduction in hop acreage in the USA over the past two years, with a decrease of about 25%. Australia has also announced a similar reduction in hops acreage by 21%, albeit from a much lower overall figure. (inside.beer, 2.5.2024) The continuing high stock levels could potentially lead to further reductions in planting.
