Hop cones and lupulin market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the European hop market volume grew from 47 638 tons to 52 768 tons, driven by expanding cultivation areas in Germany and rising global demand for craft beer, which increased consumption of bitter hop varieties. High hop prices reflected tight supply conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 supported steady hop demand due to stable domestic beer sales in Germany, although production edged lower.

Extreme weather events, including heat waves and drought, severely reduced the German hop harvest in 2022, while the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted supply chains, contributing to a sharp drop in production and market volume to 46 918 tons. By 2023, production rebounded to 60 461 tons, but the market contended with high inventory levels and price pressure amid changed demand patterns. The industry responded by developing new climate- and disease-resistant hop varieties.

For 2024, a slightly above-average harvest was reported, meeting a saturated market with full warehouses, while hop cultivation area in Germany remained stable. Demand continued to be linked to the stagnant beer market, and amendments to the German Hop Law modernized certification and support programs.

Production hop cones and lupulin in Europe

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

European hop cones and lupulin production declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 68 548 tonnes, but then fell by 3.9% in 2020 to 65 859 tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 30.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production jumped by 17.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of hop cones and lupulin production in Europe dropped following two years of expansion. In 2019, production value peaked at 1 631 million US dollars, but then decreased by 4.7% in 2020 to 1 554 million US dollars. From 2017 to 2020, the value rose by 46.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 30.0% surge.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports hop cones and lupulin from Europe

Exports in kind, t

European exports of hop cones and lupulin grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 32 233 tonnes, representing a 2.5% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 5%, with an average annual decrease of 1.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 166 tonnes, marking a significant 28.7% drop from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with exports rising by 30.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, European exports of hop cones and lupulin were distributed across a wide range of partners. The top three destinations—the United States (9.3% of exports), China (9.2%), and Japan (8.9%)—together accounted for only 27.4% of total exports. The remaining 72.6% went to numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of European hop cones and lupulin exports increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 440.6 million US dollars, up 3.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 11.1%, with an average annual increase of 3.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 2.8% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 10.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, European hop cones and lupulin exports in value terms were spread across diverse markets. The United States (10.0% of export value), China (8.4%), and Japan (8.4%) together represented just 26.8% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution to other countries.

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

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

Imports hop cones and lupulin to Europe

Imports in kind, t

European imports of hop cones and lupulin rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 309 tonnes, a 4.1% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.5%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 12 644 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 24.4% drop from the previous year. In 2019, imports rebounded with the largest increase of 23.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States (13.2% of imports), Australia (0.7%), and New Zealand (0.6%) were the key partners for European hop cones and lupulin imports in kind. Together, they accounted for 14.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

European imports of hop cones and lupulin in value terms grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 329.1 million US dollars, up 13.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 13.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 284.1 million US dollars, which represented a 1.6% decline from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (22.5% of import value), New Zealand (1.2%), and Australia (1.2%) formed the main cluster of markets for European hop cones and lupulin imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 24.9% of total import flows.

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

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