Hop cones and lupulin market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the South American hop market volume fluctuated, reaching 4 950 т in 2019 before declining to 4 698 т in 2020. The growing craft beer sector consistently fueled demand for high-quality hops, while domestic production in Argentina remained limited, covering only about 20% of national needs. During these years, research efforts focused on expanding cultivation into non-traditional zones and developing new vacuum-packed formats to assist small producers.

The market surged to 6 161 т in 2021, driven by a sharp increase in imports as craft breweries sought raw materials. Institutional support in Argentina, including quality studies and the promotion of pelletized and fresh flower formats, helped strengthen the local supply chain. By 2022, planted area in Patagonia had grown to 215 hectares, and a geographical indication for 'Patagonian' hops was pursued to enhance market recognition. However, market volume contracted to 5 565 т in 2022 and further to 4 171 т in 2023, as import levels fell substantially. This occurred alongside a 203% production jump in Brazil to 88 т, backed by association-led value chain integration and research into adapting varieties to tropical conditions.

In 2024, factors point to continued expansion of hop cultivation in Brazil, with new planting projects and an emphasis on organic practices, while imports reached 4 428 т. Over the full period, the market remained heavily import-dependent, but sustained craft beer demand and concerted efforts to boost domestic production gradually reshaped the supply landscape.

Production hop cones and lupulin in South 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

South America's production of hop cones and lupulin has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 482.9 t, which remained nearly unchanged from 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of growth, South America's hop cones and lupulin production value declined in 2020. Output was valued at 6 417 K $ US, marking a sharp 26.3% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.1%, averaging 3.6% per year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 702 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 25.5% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports hop cones and lupulin from South America

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2020, South America exported 25 t of hop cones and lupulin, a 44.2% decrease from the previous year. The lowest point was in 2018 at 6 t, while exports peaked in 2019 at 44 t, representing a 7-fold difference between these years. The largest decline of 85.6% occurred in 2018, and the biggest increase of 598.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Mexico, and Germany were the core destinations for South America's hop cones and lupulin exports in kind. The United States accounted for 15.7% of exports, Mexico for 7.3%, and Germany for 2.4%, together making up 25.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced notable volatility. In 2020, South America exported 330 K $ US of hop cones and lupulin, a sharp 59.0% decline from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018 at 96 K $ US, while the highest was in 2019 at 804 K $ US, showing an 8.4-fold gap. The largest decrease of 82.0% happened in 2018, and the largest increase of 737.1% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Mexico, and Germany were the main markets for South America's hop cones and lupulin exports in value terms. The United States took 21.3% of exports, Mexico 4.4%, and Germany 2.2%, collectively absorbing 27.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports hop cones and lupulin to South America

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's imports of hop cones and lupulin in kind declined in 2020. The region imported 4 240 t, a modest 6.1% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 4 514 t, and the largest annual increase of 22.0% was in 2018.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany and the United States dominated South America's imports of hop cones and lupulin in kind, together accounting for 96.3% of the total. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, South America's import value of hop cones and lupulin fell in 2020. Imports were recorded at 57 951 K $ US, a robust 14.6% loss compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 29.1%, averaging 8.9% per year. The highest value was in 2019 at 67 878 K $ US, with the largest annual rise of 32.4% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Germany were the dominant suppliers of hop cones and lupulin to South America in value terms, together taking 95.2% of total imports. Other sources each held relatively small shares.

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

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