Hops Market Analysis
The Hops Market size is estimated at USD 9.18 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 12.69 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The global hops market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing preference for bittering hops over aroma varieties and the worldwide expansion of craft breweries. Key hop-producing countries include the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, China, and Poland. According to the International Hop Growers' Convention (IHGC) Economic Commission, global hop cultivation reached about 58.9 thousand hectares in 2023, with the United States and Germany contributing about 38% and 34% of the total acreage, respectively.
Market growth is projected to continue, propelled by rising beer consumption, the craft brewing trend, and the development of new hop varieties. Brazil, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are among the largest importers of hop extracts, collectively accounting for about 35% of global hop extract imports in 2023, as reported by ITC Trademap. Specialty hops such as Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe have gained popularity due to their unique flavor profiles, leading to increased demand, particularly in the craft brewing sector.
Climate change poses a significant challenge to the hops industry, as variations in temperature and rainfall patterns affect both hop yields and quality. Adapting to these environmental changes is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the hops market.
Hops Market Trends
Craft Beer is Elevating the Demand for Bittering Hops
- The global hop market is experiencing a significant transformation, primarily driven by the rising popularity of craft beer. Consumer preferences are shifting towards more distinctive and flavorful brews, leading to an increased demand for bittering hops over aromatic varieties. This trend is particularly evident in the growing number of craft breweries across North America and Europe.
- Beer remains the most consumed alcoholic beverage worldwide, according to the Worldwide Brewing Alliance, underscoring its enduring appeal. The craft beer sector has shown significant growth, especially in the United States. The Brewers Association reported that the U.S. craft beer market share increased from 13.1% in 2022 to 13.3% in 2023. This expansion correlates with a increased demand for hops, particularly bittering varieties. BarthHaas data supports this trend, revealing a 3% decrease in the share of aroma hops in both crop and alpha yield in 2023 compared to the previous year. As the global hop market continues to evolve, producers and suppliers must adapt to meet the changing requirements of the craft brewing industry.
Europe is the Fastest Growing Market
- Europe is one of the fastest-growing markets for hops, driven by increasing imports and the expansion of hop cultivation areas, largely due to the rising demand for beer. Germany, the second-largest hop producer globally after the United States, plays a critical role in supplying this growing demand.
- The import market for hops is dominated by key players, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. These countries collectively imported significant quantities, with Germany importing 6,479 metric tons, followed by the United Kingdom at 4,777 metric tons, and the Czech Republic at 1,001 metric tons in 2023 according to ITC Trademap. Europe also has the largest beer-consuming population globally, with the Czech Republic leading in per capita beer consumption at 140 liters. Austria follows with 107 liters per capita, Romania with 100 liters, and Germany at 99 liters. These import volumes and consumption levels highlighted Europe’s strong position in the global hops and beer market.
- Across the European Union, nearly 2,600 farms grow hops, covering 26,500 hectares, representing 60% of the global hop-growing surface. Hops are cultivated in 14 EU countries, with Germany alone accounting for around 17,000 hectares, or 60% of the EU’s hop-growing area. Other major producers in the EU include the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovenia.
Hops Market News
- May 2024: Yakima Valley Hops has released three new hop varieties, ID-158, HBC 1019, and HBC 472. These new hops offers unique flavors like citrus, berry, and creamy coconut, potentially catering to the growing demand for craft beers with distinct and interesting taste profiles.
- January 2023: BarthHaas launched an all-new company website where hop services providers can present their extensive portfolio in an updated design and very clearly structured form. Hence, searching for information about the company, its products, and its services will be easier and more intuitive.
- January 2023: Crosby Hops, an integrated hop grower, processor, and merchant, announced the official expansion of its product offerings to include cryogenically processed lupulin pellets. Its new CGX concentrated pellets are available in several varieties, which makes it possible to brew aggressively-hopped beers that can improve yields and margins while reducing the environmental footprint of production.
