Germany: Bitter varieties now account for 53% of German hop acreage

The trend towards less aroma hops and more bitter hops in Germany continues in 2024. As in recent years, the proportion of bitter hops in Germany is increasing in relation to the total acreage. 53% of German hop acreage are now planted with bitter varieties, the German Hop Growers Association reports.

In particular, the already established and globally prized Herkules hop variety has seen the greatest increase in its total acreage, with 419 additional hectares.

It is also encouraging to see that the new bitter hop variety Titan is developing positively in terms of acreage. With an increase of 228 hectares, this variety ranks second among the varieties with the largest increase in acreage.

In contrast, the two most important German aroma hop varieties, Perle and Hallertau Tradition, have developed in the opposite direction to the bitter hops.

With a decline of 375 ha, Perle leads the list of hop varieties with the greatest reductions in acreage.

In second place, with a decrease of 241 hectares, is the Hallertauer Tradition variety. The fact that a bitter hop variety, Hallertauer Magnum, came in third in the category of the greatest acreage reductions is extraordinary. This is due to the change in demand for this variety