World: World hop acreage expected to increase by 1% this year

During a video conference on May 26, 2020 the International Hop Growers’ Convention (IHGC) discussed an updated estimate on the development of world hop acreage in the main hop growing countries, HVG reported.

According to IHGC, world hop acreage 2020 is expected to rise by approx. 600 ha, i.e. approximately 1%. This is a very moderate increase compared to the previous years. Furthermore, it is way lower than initially expected (1,500 ha).

In view of the current situation and the expected decline in beer consumption, there is no need to expand acreage, experts point out. However, it will be interesting to see how acreages of the different varieties will change as the decrease in hop demand will have distinct effects on each variety.