Average Hop Harvest Ensures German Beer Production Berlin Germany 9 12 2017
THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY
USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT
POLICY
Voluntary
- Public
Date: 9/12/2017
GAIN Report Number: GM17038
Germany
Post: Berlin
Average Hop Harvest Ensures German Beer Production
Report Categories:
Beverages
Approved By:
Kelly Stange
Prepared By:
Sabine Lieberz
Report Highlights:
Despite frosts, lack of June rain, and a spider mite infestation, German hops production is expected to
be average due in part to increased growing area. At the end of August German production was forecast
at 39,224 MT, an eight percent decrease compared to the record crop of 2016.
Beer production anticipated as stable.
General Information:
On August 31, 2017, Helmut Brunner, the Bavarian minister of agriculture, Dr. Johann Pichlmaier,
president of the German Hop Growers’ Association (Verband deutscher Hopfenpflanzer e.V.), and
Peter Hintermeier, Chairman of the German Hop Traders Association (Hopfenwirtschaftsverband)
presented the official German harvest forecast for 2017 at the occasion of the annual “hops tour”.
Production prospects for the 2017 harvest are eight percent below 2016’s record crop, despite an
increase in hops area of five percent (see table). This is a consequence of April frosts, a lack of
rain (particularly in June), and spider mite infestation. Good rains in late July prevented a further
decrease, however. The exterior quality is expected to be good. Alpha acid contents (inner
quality) cannot be assessed, yet.
While the forecasted production represents an “about average” level, Dr. Pichlmaier pointed out
that the share of production that is already contracted is at a record high. As a result, prices for
the remaining hops on the spot market are likely to rise, unless final production is considerably
higher than forecast. Mr. Hintermeier stressed that while the hops market is tight, German beer
production is not in danger and his members should be able to deliver the amounts requested by
the breweries.
Table: German Hop Area and Production by Year and Region
Region
Hallertau
Elbe-Saale
Tettnang
Spalt
Other*
Total
2016
15 510
1 409
1 281
376
22
18 598
Area (ha)
2017 (f)
16 310
1 466
1 353
391
22
19 542
Change
5%
4%
6%
4%
0%
5%
Production (MT)
2016
2017 (f)
Change
36 954
33 850
-8%
2 845
2 673
-6%
2 194
1 975
-10%
730
680
-7%
43
46
7%
42 766
39 224
-8%
f = forecast
* Other includes: Rheinpfalz; Bitburg; Hochdorf; Rottenburg/Herrenberg/Weil der Stadt
Source: FAS Berlin based on data from German Hop Growers’ Association
Background:
The majority (86%) of the German hops area is located in Bavaria.
The traditional “hops tour” (Hopfenrundfahrt) is an annual event. In even years it is organized by
the German Hop Growers Association, in uneven years the organization alternates between the
three Bavarian counties with the most hops area (Freising, Kehlheim, and Pfaffenhofen). The
event was attended by over 180 participants, many of which hold influential political positions in
Bavaria.
Bavarian Minister of Agriculture (3rd from left) is briefed on recent research projects by staff from
the Hops Research Center Huell
USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT
POLICY
Voluntary
- Public
Date: 9/12/2017
GAIN Report Number: GM17038
Germany
Post: Berlin
Average Hop Harvest Ensures German Beer Production
Report Categories:
Beverages
Approved By:
Kelly Stange
Prepared By:
Sabine Lieberz
Report Highlights:
Despite frosts, lack of June rain, and a spider mite infestation, German hops production is expected to
be average due in part to increased growing area. At the end of August German production was forecast
at 39,224 MT, an eight percent decrease compared to the record crop of 2016.
Beer production anticipated as stable.
General Information:
On August 31, 2017, Helmut Brunner, the Bavarian minister of agriculture, Dr. Johann Pichlmaier,
president of the German Hop Growers’ Association (Verband deutscher Hopfenpflanzer e.V.), and
Peter Hintermeier, Chairman of the German Hop Traders Association (Hopfenwirtschaftsverband)
presented the official German harvest forecast for 2017 at the occasion of the annual “hops tour”.
Production prospects for the 2017 harvest are eight percent below 2016’s record crop, despite an
increase in hops area of five percent (see table). This is a consequence of April frosts, a lack of
rain (particularly in June), and spider mite infestation. Good rains in late July prevented a further
decrease, however. The exterior quality is expected to be good. Alpha acid contents (inner
quality) cannot be assessed, yet.
While the forecasted production represents an “about average” level, Dr. Pichlmaier pointed out
that the share of production that is already contracted is at a record high. As a result, prices for
the remaining hops on the spot market are likely to rise, unless final production is considerably
higher than forecast. Mr. Hintermeier stressed that while the hops market is tight, German beer
production is not in danger and his members should be able to deliver the amounts requested by
the breweries.
Table: German Hop Area and Production by Year and Region
Region
Hallertau
Elbe-Saale
Tettnang
Spalt
Other*
Total
2016
15 510
1 409
1 281
376
22
18 598
Area (ha)
2017 (f)
16 310
1 466
1 353
391
22
19 542
Change
5%
4%
6%
4%
0%
5%
Production (MT)
2016
2017 (f)
Change
36 954
33 850
-8%
2 845
2 673
-6%
2 194
1 975
-10%
730
680
-7%
43
46
7%
42 766
39 224
-8%
f = forecast
* Other includes: Rheinpfalz; Bitburg; Hochdorf; Rottenburg/Herrenberg/Weil der Stadt
Source: FAS Berlin based on data from German Hop Growers’ Association
Background:
The majority (86%) of the German hops area is located in Bavaria.
The traditional “hops tour” (Hopfenrundfahrt) is an annual event. In even years it is organized by
the German Hop Growers Association, in uneven years the organization alternates between the
three Bavarian counties with the most hops area (Freising, Kehlheim, and Pfaffenhofen). The
event was attended by over 180 participants, many of which hold influential political positions in
Bavaria.
Bavarian Minister of Agriculture (3rd from left) is briefed on recent research projects by staff from
the Hops Research Center Huell