European Hops Production Up, Down Sales Equals Surplus

hops1 400x282 European Hops Production Up, Down Sales Equals Surplus Now that one of Europe’s leading producers of hops has reported a surplus, it looks like there may be some production savings for brewers in the coming years. This is sharp contrast to recent years as the brewing industry has faced spiraling costs as worldwide demand on the back of a shortage of hops, as well as grain. Over economic downturn and bigger crops have led to a surplus.

Nuremberg-based hop merchant Joh. Barth & Sohn, said global production figures for 2008 showed a return to more than 110,000 tonnes for the first time in 12 years.

With demand for beer under pressure because of the economic crisis, “we have to assume that hop demand will decline in the long-term”, said Managing Partner Stephan Barth.

The trend to light tasting malts and less flavorsome beers served in more areas also pointed towards lower hop consumption. ”There is no point in producing hops for a market that no longer requires them in the quantities anticipated,” said Barth. He has argued against continued calls in the industry to increase hop acreage in response to previous shortages.