Germany’s 2026 hop crop is expected to be significantly smaller than last year’s. Following the official Hallertau estimate on 25 August 2026, the German crop is forecast at 33,779 mt – down 9,362 mt, or 21.7%, from 2025.
The Hallertau estimate stands at 28,750 mt, a decline of 8,500 mt, or 22.8%. Average yield in the region falls from 2.38 to 1.95 mt/ha. Germany as a whole is expected to average 1.89 mt/ha, compared with 2.28 mt/ha last year.
Two factors are driving the reduction. German hop acreage fell by 1,101 ha from 2025 to 17,861 ha. At the same time, numerous hot days during the growing season placed the plants under severe stress and reduced yields. Alpha levels are also expected to be well below average.
The other European growing countries expect a combined 13,250 mt, down 2,176 mt, or 14.1%, from 2025. The largest reductions are reported by Czechia at 909 mt, Slovenia at 595 mt and Poland at 448 mt. Only England and Russia are forecasting small increases.
We will report separately on alpha levels as soon as reliable results are available.
