In 2017, Germany produced slightly less hops and alpha acid than in the record year of 2016.
The total harvest will be approximately 41.556 metric tons. In 2016, German hops farmers produced 42.766 metric tons of hops. That is about 3% less year-on-year. The largest part of the German hops harvest has been produced in the Hallertau region in Bavaria. The total amount harvested there in 2017 is about 35.540 metric tons.
Despite the satisfying hops harvest in Germany, the German alpha acid yield was below the long year trend. This picture is mainly the same all across Europe in Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia. On the other hand, hops and alpha acid yield in the US was above average.
After the 2016 harvest, German hops growers increased the total area used for hops cultivation, especially for high alpha hops. In Hallertau, the largest continuous hops growing area in the world, hops fields grew by 800 hectares. The total area amounts to16.300 hectares. Worldwide, hops cultivation increased by 3.000 hectares to 59.200 hectares.
The slightly lower amount of hops harvested in 2017 in Europe can be explained by inclement weather. Unusual frost in late spring, as well as very dry conditions and hot weather starting in June took a toll on the hops. Only the plentiful rain in late July prevented further damage to the plants. On the up side, the German hops harvest is mostly free from disease and insect derived damage.
Worldwide, the total amount harvested is estimated to reach 116.000 metric tons of raw hops and about 11.000 metric tons of alpha acid.
German hops are protected by the EU and are products of origin. German hops are displaying the EU quality labels PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) respectively PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).