In 2024, global hop production and hop acreage have further decreased to match consumer demand. The decline in acreage was more significant than the previous year, particularly in the US with a 17% reduction in total acreage. HPA idled 15% of acreage, but had a 9% increase in production volume due to a bumper crop.

The global crop share of bittering hops increased to 63%, while aroma hops decreased to 37%. Our Aussie flavour hops impact in beer is expected to remain strong, with oil content slightly below or equal to the 5-year average for most proprietary hops. Read our full crop report here.

Despite the substantially below-average harvest in 2022 followed by an average harvest in 2023, inventory levels from previous years are such that the brewing industry is still well stocked and even oversupplied on some varieties. This is becoming increasingly apparent through the decrease in longer-term hop contracts, and the increase in restructuring hop contracts and delaying call-offs.

The US market remains oversupplied with aroma hops despite further acreage reductions of the previous year. In 2024, hop producers reduced acreage by 18% in an attempt to balance supply and demand. As of 2024, Germany is now the world’s biggest hop producer, even with a 340-hectare acreage reduction.

This surplus is coupled with energy, raw materials, packaging, logistics and labour costs remaining at a high level, putting pressure on brewers’ profit margins. Global beer production decreased a further 0.3%, with significant declines in Asia (-2.3%), Australia (-1.6%) and the US (-1.3%), buoyed by significant increases in Africa (6.7%) and Europe (1.1%).

It is more important than ever for suppliers to work in partnership with their brewing customers. Communicating early and often is the best way to ensure we have your needs covered, whether that be availability of proprietary hops for core range beers, commercialising experimental hops for flavour diversity, or innovative hop products for more sustainable beverages.

A bit about BarthHaas:

HPA are regional representatives of the global BarthHaas group, which is the world’s largest supplier of hop products and services.

BarthHaas operates across all continents, providing support to its members along the whole value supply chain: from breeding and growing through to processing and the marketing of hops and hop products.

Their innovation centres, Barth Innovations in the UK and Haas Innovations in the US, are dedicated to research and development. We have access to their results, which means our customers can take advantage of the full potential of hops. Because your beer is our passion.