Hop cones and lupulin market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish hop market volume grew to 1 681 t in 2019 but contracted to 1 574 t in 2020, pressured by a global market saturation that reduced worldwide demand and impacted import levels. Market size then stabilized around 1 600 t through 2023, as domestic production and imports adjusted to the new conditions.

Domestic hop production increased steadily from 920 t in 2018 to a peak of 1 120 t in 2022, before declining to 960 t in 2023. The sector is concentrated in León province, often relying on outdated drying facilities, which constrains efficiency. Climate challenges, including rising temperatures and droughts, have introduced water stress for crops, affecting yields.

Import volumes fluctuated significantly, mirroring shifts in global supply, while exports remained modest. Spanish growers focused on the craft beer segment found growing opportunities in the EU and UK markets, though organic hops remain a niche due to higher costs. In 2023, major industry players like BarthHaas and Crosby Hops launched new digital services and cryogenically processed lupulin pellets, signaling ongoing product innovation.

Production hop cones and lupulin in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain maintained the 11th position globally in terms of hop cones and lupulin production volume.

Top producers of hop cones and lupulin, 2017-2020

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

Spain's production of hop cones and lupulin has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 040 tonnes, marking a 7.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.5%.

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

Exports hop cones and lupulin from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 13.4 times. In 2020, Spain exported 27.2 tonnes of hop cones and lupulin, representing a 426.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the key destinations for exports in kind were France (23.9% of exports), Portugal (22.0%), and the United Kingdom (20.0%). Together, these three countries accounted for 65.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's exports of hop cones and lupulin in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 723 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 388.7% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 1 264.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 139.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the core markets for exports in value terms were France (28.4% of exports), Portugal (24.1%), and the United Kingdom (18.1%). Collectively, they represented 70.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports hop cones and lupulin to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's imports of hop cones and lupulin in kind totaled 561.1 tonnes, indicating a 21.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 716.5 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany accounted for 74.7% of total imports in kind, while the remaining imports were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of hop cones and lupulin in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 9 468 thousand US dollars, showing a 7.8% contraction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 21.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 10 273 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 26.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany clearly dominated Spain's imports of hop cones and lupulin in value terms, holding 71.6% of total flows, while other countries each had significantly smaller shares.

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

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