E-Malt.com News article: USA: Minor acreage increase in 2005 hops crop

The official hop acreage survey conducted by the USDA has already been published. The US growers who used to play a leading role with regard to acreage reductions in former years have increased their acreage by 586 ha (1,448 acres) in crop 2005, Joh. Barth & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG, the agricultural company that processes and trades hops and hop products worldwide, announced at the beginning of July 2005. This number is composed of 430 ha (1,062 acres) bitter hops (Galena, Super High Alpha, Nugget) and 156 ha (385 acres) aroma hops. The aroma sector also shows clear variety changes: Willamette +255 ha (+630 acres / +11%); Cascade -107 ha (-264 acres / -18%); US-Perle -82 ha (-203 acres / -67%).

The dollar which is still undervalued will help US high alpha hops in crop 2005 to regain more importance on the world market.

The big surplus of bitter hops from former crops that influenced the price structure for US spot hops has mainly been sold. Therefore the price for bitter hops crop 2005 has already recovered. Furthermore, new markets have opened up for hops outside the brewing industry. Their needs are mainly satisfied by US hops and will have growing influence on demand.

Some varieties already show a shortage in supply at present. E.g. the varieties Galena and Nugget have been completely sold by pre-contracts. The variety Millennium, however, is available to balance Nugget shortage. The variety Cluster has become a niche variety and can only be secured by making pre-contracts.

Some growers intended to introduce a Hop Marketing Order in the US. After longer hearings, this petition was finally declined by the USDA.


27 July, 2005