Hop cones and lupulin market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The US hop market expanded in 2018 and 2019, driven by a shift among growers toward patented aroma varieties like Simcoe and Citra, which commanded higher margins and met rising craft beer demand. This transition, centered in the Pacific Northwest, boosted production volumes. Exports of hop cones also grew by 8.66% in 2019, reinforcing market growth as international buyers sought US aroma hops.

Production fell to 47 090 t in 2020, then rebounded to 52 450 t in 2021, only to drop again to 46 200 t in 2022. Market volume mirrored this instability, declining to 47 720 t in 2020, rising to 53 005 t in 2021, and falling to 46 849 t in 2022.

In 2023, production increased slightly to 47 190 t, while market volume rose to 50 340 t. This recovery was supported by product innovation such as Crosby Hops' launch of cryogenically processed lupulin pellets, which reduced waste and enhanced aroma for brewers. Consumer preference for aroma-forward varieties continued to influence cultivation, and the US hop market was valued at approximately $3.1 billion in 2024, driven by a robust craft beer sector and ongoing shifts toward high-value aroma lines.

Production hop cones and lupulin in Northern America

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

After two years of growth, hop cones and lupulin production in Northern America declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 50 820 t, marking a 4.8% increase. However, by 2020, output fell to 47 090 t, representing a 7.3% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports hop cones and lupulin from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

Exports of hop cones and lupulin from Northern America showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 53 t, with a sharp decline of 54.0%. By 2020, exports surged to 120 t, reflecting a substantial 78.0% year-over-year increase. Overall, exports varied by 2.3 times between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of hop cones and lupulin exports from Northern America was highly diversified. The top three destinations—Russia (11.9%), Latvia (11.7%), and Czechia (7.8%)—collectively accounted for just 31.5% of total exports. The remaining 68.5% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2018, hop cones and lupulin export value from Northern America reached its minimum at 631 K $ US, declining by 22.8%. By 2019, exports peaked at 861 K $ US, with a significant 36.4% increase. In 2020, exports slightly decreased to 852 K $ US, down 1.0% from 2019. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, exports grew by 4.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 1.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner landscape for hop cones and lupulin export value from Northern America was broad. The top three countries—Russia (5.8%), Latvia (5.5%), and Czechia (3.7%)—together made up only 14.9% of total export value. The vast majority, 85.1%, was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports hop cones and lupulin to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Imports of hop cones and lupulin into Northern America experienced volatility during these years. In 2018, imports saw the largest decline of 70.9%. By 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 711 t. In 2020, imports rose to 711 t, increasing by 5.5% compared to 2019. Overall, imports varied by 3.6 times between the low in 2019 and the high in 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of hop cones and lupulin to Northern America were Germany (19.2%), Australia (3.1%), and the United Kingdom (2.5%). However, their combined share was limited to 24.8% of total imports, indicating a highly diversified import structure with many other countries contributing.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hop cones and lupulin imports into Northern America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 50 583 K $ US, up 5.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 56.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, hop cones and lupulin import value into Northern America was spread across a wide range of markets. The top three suppliers—Germany (12.4%), Australia (3.6%), and the United Kingdom (2.4%)—jointly accounted for only 18.4% of total import value, with the remaining 81.6% coming from numerous other countries.

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

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