MOXEE, WA – After less-than ideal growing conditions last year in both the U.S. and in Europe, non-contracted brewers were left wanting a handful of new, highly demanded aroma varieties. This was despite an increase in overall U.S. production and a 10% increase of hops in storage, according to the USDA NASS Annual March report.
Now, U.S. hop acreage is in its fifth consecutive year of growth, up another 17% in the Pacific Northwest and 18.5% nationally – home to 40% of the global hop supply.
With the USDA estimating 13 million additional pounds of hops incoming, this would total a record 91.8 million pounds for Northwest producers who produce over 96% of the US crop, a 16% jump from 2015. According to the USDA-NASS report, “many baby yards in Washington and Idaho are exceptional, with production between 50 and 100 percent of mature yields expected.”
According to USDA-NASS in reviewing the 2016 Pacific Northwest climate, “unusually hot April temperatures encouraged substantial pre-training growth, and may result in some alpha varieties yielding below average. Temperatures were more normal in June and July. Water supplies are adequate.”
Last month the International Hop Growers Convention (IHGC) released a 2016 world hop crop projection of 221.7 million pounds, 15.7% higher than 2015 production. While some are rejoicing at the yet-again large increase and waiting with bated breath for Harvest 2016, many in the hop industry are celebrating cautiously.
IHGC experts last month urged caution as further expansion is considered, to avoid surplus production. The hop market will always remain cyclical, but timeframes are the unknown variable. For brewing years 2016 and 2017, global beer output is expected to decline 2 to 3%. Only strong growth in the craft beer segment will offset these losses. According to a recent release from Brauwelt International, American craft beer production volume increased 8% during the first half of 2016.
“We have seen the downside of this market before due to oversupply,” said Ann George, Executive Director, Hop Growers of America. “While we see a clear need, thanks to long shelf life, cost, and long-term commitment of growing hops, we encourage responsible contracting to ensure a stable market in terms of price and availability.”
About:
Hop Growers of America (HGA) promotes American grown hops to brewers and industry both domestically and internationally. HGA facilitates conversations between growers, merchants, and brewers, providing statistical reports to the industry and education on the quality, variety, and tradition of U.S. grown hops. For more information, visit: www.usahops.org/
HGA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or familial status.