Hop Update August 2026

Germany

Official crop estimate Germany 

The total estimated harvest for the German growing area is 33,779 t. This is divided between the growing regions as follows:

In comparison, the harvest quantity in Germany in 2025 was 43.141 t. Further details on the official crop estimate can be found at the Association of German Hop Growers: https://www.deutscher-hopfen.de/presse/hopfenrundfahrt-2026-und-ernteschaetzung-2026/

Weather and plant development Germany

At the end of July, conditions remained very warm to hot in all German growing regions. The precipitation deficit increased. Overall, precipitation varied widely. The second half of August was characterized by moderate to summer-like temperatures with cool nights. The extreme weather conditions throughout the entire growing season are affecting hop development. All varieties appear slender in growth habit. Below-average yields are expected across all varieties. The first results of alpha monitoring also show below-average values for the Hallertau region. In all growing regions, the stage of development is currently a few days behind the long-term average. The hop stands have now reached BBCH stages 81 to 89, meaning that maturation has begun and is progressing. While aphids are hardly to be found, spider mite infestation has continued to increase and is also present in some cases in the upper parts of the plants. Plant protection treatmeants are currently applied, particularly on late-maturing varieties. The hop flea beetle continues to cause signs of feeding damage on the cones. Fungal diseases are causing only minor problems. Spore counts, which indicate Peronospora infection, remained very low throughout the entire growing season. Downy mildew occurs only sporadically, primarily in susceptible varieties such as Herkules. As has been observed in other dry years, symptoms of wilt disease are not increasing further.

In Tettnang, some farms have already begun harvesting as of August 20. In the Hallertau region, however, most farms will not begin harvesting until the end of this week, around September 5th. Farms in the Elbe-Saale growing region will begin harvesting in early to mid-September.

Plant development in other growing areas  

Czech Republic

As early as mid-August, the harvest began in the Czech Republic at the first farms growing the Saazer variety, which is both the earliest-maturing and, in terms of acreage, the most important variety. Since growing conditions during the season were good and there were frequent light rainfall, it was long expected that the harvest would be nearly average. However, starting in late July, the necessary rainfall did not come, and heat waves and high temperatures affected the hops. These extreme conditions are now also having an impact on alpha acid content and yields. The official results of the alpha screening by the Czech “Chmelarsky Institut” show historically low alpha values of currently 1.8% for the Saazer variety, particularly in the Saaz growing region. Below-average alpha values are also being measured in other regions. Currently there are not enough alpha values of certified hop lots available. In addition to low alpha values, below-average yields are also expected. Yield expectations for other Czech varieties, such as Sladek, Premiant, and Kazbek, are slightly below average.

Slovenia

The general impression of the Slovenian hops is consistently impacted by the repeated hailstorms that have affected nearly all growing regions. The Savinja Valley, in particular, suffered severe hail damage in late June. Due to unfavorable weather conditions — including high temperatures and a lack of rainfall — these crops were unable to develop to their full potential. Yield losses across approximately 900 ha of damaged area range from about 10% to 100%. The areas not damaged by hail developed well. In some cases, average yields can be expected here. However, due to the high percentage of hops damaged by hail, significant yield losses are expected across all varieties. In addition, according to the results of alpha acid monitoring by the Slovenian institute “IHPS,” below-average alpha acid levels are expected for all varieties.

Poland

At the start of the growing season, some of the Polish hops were damaged by frost. This was followed by several heat waves with high temperatures and very little precipitation. However, due to the long distances between the Polish growing regions, there are significant differences in crop development. Overall, however, both high-alpha and aroma varieties are classified as below average. Since the harvest is not expected to begin until calendar week 37, alpha acid levels are not yet available.

USA

The stage of development is in line with the long-term average. Temperatures were ideal for hops in all growing regions. All varieties can be described as average to slightly above average. Diseases and pests are not a problem. Harvesting has begun in the last few days.

Harvest Expectation and Impact on Forward Contracts

The harvest forecast outlined above for Germany is 22% below the 2025 crop and approximately 17% below an average harvest. Initial analyses of the quality parameters from vines that have not yet been harvested indicate exceptionally low alpha acid levels, and there is little hope that this deficit can be recovered to normal levels before harvest.

We therefore expect significant shortfalls in deliveries under forward contracts, not only from Germany but also from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and potentially Poland. As a result, we are already preparing for the possibility that not all sales contracts, particularly for aroma varieties sold on a kilogram-of-alpha basis, can be fulfilled in full. The application of the so-called alpha clause will likely be necessary to ensure a fair allocation of the severely limited quantities from the 2026 crop.

The extent to which carryover stocks from previous years can be used to offset deficits will need to be discussed and agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.