Hop Update September 2024 |

Harvest Germany

The hop harvest is currently in progress in all German hop-growing regions. The main variety currently being harvested is Herkules. This week and next, many farms will complete the harvest. During the harvest, it was unusually hot at the beginning with temperatures of up to 32°C. Since calendar week 37, temperatures have been significantly lower with heavy rainfall in some cases, which has had a significant impact on the harvest progress.
Yields of flavor varieties such as Perle and Hallertau Tradition are slightly above average throughout the Hallertau. For the largest variety in acreage Herkules, no clear statement can yet be made due to the current harvest, but slightly above-average yields can also be expected for this variety.
Overall, we are currently expecting an average to slightly above-average harvest. Nevertheless, we believe that the official harvest estimate (we reported in the August HopUpdate) will probably not be fully achieved. The alpha contents of the aroma varieties are slightly below average. There are still too few values available for the high alpha varieties; we currently expect average alpha contents.
In terms of diseases and pests, the aroma varieties show average external quality. The pressure, especially from fungal diseases, was extreme due to the wet weather during the entire vegetation period. This will have an impact on the quality of the high alpha varieties.
All varieties in the Tettnang growing region also have slightly above-average yields. The alpha values in Tettnang are around the long-term average.
A slightly below-average harvest is expected in the Elbe-Saale region.
The take-in of certified hops from the European hop-growing regions is in full swing. As soon as the findings on the quality and alpha content of the various varieties from the respective hop-growing regions have been confirmed, the Hop Analysis Working Group (AHA) will announce the vintage averages as soon as possible.

Hallertau

Harvest in other growing areas

Czech Republic

The hop harvest in the Czech Republic took place from mid-August to mid-September. Early in the harvest, high temperatures prevailed, followed by heavy rainfall later on. This resulted in stagnant water in the hop gardens, particularly in the Tirschitz region. The yields are at an average level. The alpha values, on the other hand, are below average.

Slovenia

This week, most Slovenian growers will complete the hop harvest. Temperatures were high during the harvest and there was rain at the end of the harvest. The large amount of rain at the end of the harvest has no effect on the quality of the hops, as most growers had already finished the harvest before the rain. Diseases and pests are not a problem. Yields are below average for all varieties. The alpha values are average.