The Development of Alpha Acid Contents for the Period 1995-2009

As you know, the shortfall of alpha acid for the brewing industry from crops 2005, 2006 and 2007 resulted in acreage increases for crop 2008.

This acreage growth becomes even more significant when taking into account the growth in average alpha values during the same period. New crop 2008 acreage in the principal growing areas in Europe and the USA was accounted for primarily by

high yielding, high alpha varieties. Variety changes were carried out on some existing acreage, where aroma varieties or older bitter varieties were replaced by high alpha varieties. Alpha acid values for crop 2009 hops worldwide were similar to those for

2008 hops. However, as a result of the reduction of acreage for aroma hops in favour of bitter hops the total sum of alpha acid for all varieties has grown considerably (see graph: Total Average).

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