New Zealand: Hops production in 2004

In 2004 New Zealand produced about 792.1 metric tonnes of hops from an area of 422 ha. Last year 19 farms grew hops on an average area of 22.2 ha respectively. New Zealand farms grew 444.8 metric tonnes of Aroma variety and 347.3 metric tonnes of High Alpha variety. In 2003 New Zealand produced about 780.8 metric tonnes of hops from an area of 427 ha.

The weather conditions in the spring were colder than usual. From early to mid-summer it was very dry. In February, the most important month for the ripening process, it was cold and windy. As a result the production volume failed to come up to expectations.

The alpha acids content in the hops was considerably below the average of the last five years: NZ Hallertau Aroma 6.8% (7.8%), NZ Pacific Gem 12.7% (14.5%), NZ Super Alpha 10.3% (12.3%).

By the end of April 97% of the 2004 crop had been sold. Forward contracts already account for 70% of the 2005 crop.

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