World Alpha Acids Production

We presented a first estimate of crop 2009 hop production at drinktec. At that time there was still some uncertainty regarding the actual crop size and alpha contents of crop 2009 hops. The figures are now clearer. Based on the updated crop size of 111.483 mt of hops there will be a total of approx. 9,942 mt of alpha acid available for the coming year.

The chart below shows clearly that the trend towards high alpha varieties has resulted in a further increase of the average alpha content. Although crop 2009 leaf hop production volume is slightly lower than crop 2008, alpha acid production has nevertheless increased.

We will give a detailed report about the world beer market and alpha acid supply and demand in our Guidelines for Hop Buying 2009, due to be published soon.

Read the complete article here!