THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY
USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT
POLICY
Despite frosts, lack of June rain, and a spider mite infestation, German hops production is expected to
be average due in part to increased growing area. At the end of August German production was forecast
at 39,224 MT, an eight percent decrease compared to the record crop of 2016.
Beer production anticipated as stable.
Sabine Lieberz
Kelly Stange
Beverages
General Information:
On August 31, 2017, Helmut Brunner, the Bavarian minister of agriculture, Dr. Johann Pichlmaier, president of the German Hop Growers’ Association (Verband deutscher Hopfenpflanzer e.V.), and Peter Hintermeier, Chairman of the German Hop Traders Association (Hopfenwirtschaftsverband) presented the official German harvest forecast for 2017 at the occasion of the annual “hops tour”.
Production prospects for the 2017 harvest are eight percent below 2016’s record crop, despite an increase in hops area of five percent (see table). This is a consequence of April frosts, a lack of rain (particularly in June), and spider mite infestation. Good rains in late July prevented a further decrease, however. The exterior quality is expected to be good. Alpha acid contents (inner quality) cannot be assessed, yet.
While the forecasted production represents an “about average” level, Dr. Pichlmaier pointed out that the share of production that is already contracted is at a record high. As a result, prices for the remaining hops on the spot market are likely to rise, unless final production is considerably higher than forecast. Mr. Hintermeier stressed that while the hops market is tight, German beer production is not in danger and his members should be able to deliver the amounts requested by the breweries.
Table: German Hop Area and Production by Year and Region
Region
Area (ha) Production (MT)
2016 2017 (f) Change 2016 2017 (f) Change
* Other includes: Rheinpfalz; Bitburg; Hochdorf; Rottenburg/Herrenberg/Weil der Stadt Source: FAS Berlin based on data from German Hop Growers’ Association
Background:
The majority (86%) of the German hops area is located in Bavaria.
Bavarian Minister of Agriculture (3rd from left) is briefed on recent research projects by staff from the Hops Research Center Huell
