New Zealand: NZ Hops’ production down 20% versus 2020

According to NZ Hops, New Zealand’s largest grower, the 2021 hop harvest was largely concluded by Easter weekend, with a few late bales delivered soon after. The season ran slower and longer than it had in previous years due to cooler temperatures and more pockets of rain than normal. However, the growing regions generally enjoyed mild, calm weather throughout, The New Brewer reported.

While total hop production was down close to 20 percent versus 2020, due to the effects of a Boxing Day hailstorm, NZ Hops saw high yields for cornerstone varieties such as Riwaka™, Nectaron®, and Nelson Sauvin™.

In total, NZ Hops harvested 756 hectares with a production of 1,055,225 kilograms, marking a 14-percent decrease in volume from 2020. The United States is by far the largest market for New Zealand hops (40 percent, compared to 27 percent for the home country).

In July 2020, NZ Hops launched its latest variety Nectaron, which has been a runaway success with its tropical, citrus, and pineapple notes well suited for West Coast and hazy IPAs.

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