World: Hop crop volume 7% higher in 2021

The rise of almost 1 % (+520 ha) in world hop acreage and the increase of 6 % in yield per hectare last year (2020: 1.96 tonnes / 2021: 2.08 tonnes) together produced a crop volume that was 7 % higher (+8,800 mt) year on year, the Barth-Haas Group said in its annual report.

The average alpha acid content increased from 10.4 % to 10.8 %, resulting in a year-on-year increase in alpha yield of 12 % (1,483 tonnes).

The share of aroma hops increased in terms of crop yield, but fell slightly in terms of alpha production. The share of bitter hops fell or increased slightly accordingly.

The two main hop-growing countries, Germany and the USA, had a combined share of world alpha production totalling 85 % (2020: 84 %). The USA accounted for 44 % (2020: 44 %) and Germany for 41 % (2020: 40 %).

Share of alpha production in the aroma hop group: USA 60.4 % (2020: 60.1 %), Germany 22.0 % (2020: 20.9 %).

Share of alpha production in the bitter hop group: Germany 57.2 % (2020: 56.6 %), USA 29.3 % (2020: 29.1 %).

From 2013 to 2021, planted hop acreage worldwide grew by 16,640 ha, which corresponds to an increase of 36 %. After eight years of acreage growth, the area planted worldwide for crop 2022 will be approximately 62,530 ha, showing a decline of some 360 ha year on year. This reduction will by no means be sufficient to restore the equilibrium between supply and demand, the Barth-Haas Group said.

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