Hop cones and lupulin market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for hop cones and lupulin in Africa showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2023. Starting at 50,191 t in 2018, it fell to 43,012 t the following year before recovering to 48,075 t in 2020. The market contracted again over the next two years, reaching a low of 39,160 t in 2022.

Market volume rebounded by 15% to 45,071 t in 2023. This growth aligned with the global introduction of cryogenically processed lupulin pellets, a new product segment that enhances beer flavor and aroma while reducing vegetative matter. The innovation likely stimulated demand from breweries, particularly in the expanding craft beer sector.

Beyond 2023, broader industry trends continued to influence the market. The global hops market reached a value of $8.8 billion, fueled by sustained demand from craft brewing. Concurrently, advancements in hop products and cultivation techniques progressed, while environmental factors such as drought in major growing regions introduced volatility into global supply chains.

Production hop cones and lupulin in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of hop cones and lupulin, 2017-2020

World map of production of hop cones and lupulin, 2017-2020

In 2020, Africa produced 47 792 tonnes of hop cones and lupulin, marking a notable 12.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 49 521 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.4% drop. Conversely, the most significant increase was observed in 2018, with a 23.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports hop cones and lupulin from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for hop cones and lupulin in Africa exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 404 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 902 tonnes, showing a 2.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 902 tonnes, reflecting a strong 16.8% year-over-year increase. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 with a 13.9% drop, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, surging by 91.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading destinations for Africa's hop cones and lupulin exports in kind. Israel accounted for 44.8% of exports, followed by the United States at 9.6%, and the United Arab Emirates at 3.2%. Together, these three countries represented 57.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year contraction, Africa's hop cones and lupulin exports in value terms rebounded in 2020. The continent exported 3 351 thousand US dollars worth of these products, reflecting a 25.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 3.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 664 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates were among the largest buyers of hop cones and lupulin from Africa in value terms. The United States led with 36.0% of exports, followed by Israel at 6.4%, and the United Arab Emirates at 1.6%. However, even combined, these three countries represented only 43.9% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports hop cones and lupulin to Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Africa's imports of hop cones and lupulin in kind declined in 2020. The continent imported 1 186 tonnes, corresponding to a substantial 13.6% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 11%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 372 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 27.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the dominant source for Africa's hop cones and lupulin imports in kind, holding a 72.0% share of total flows. The remainder was fragmented across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year improvement, Africa's imports of hop cones and lupulin in value terms declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 15 914 thousand US dollars, representing a 9.0% fall versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 36.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 17 478 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 29.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Africa's hop cones and lupulin imports in value terms were Germany, the United States, and Slovenia. Germany accounted for 65.6% of imports, followed by the United States at 12.2%, and Slovenia at 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented 80.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020