After years of oversupply, the alpha acid balance for crop year 2026 and brewing year 2027 is only just balanced. Our supply balance provides an overview of production, demand and the resulting balance.
The key figures
- Alpha acid production, crop year 2026: 8,250 metric tonnes
- Alpha acid demand, brewing year 2027: 8,055 metric tonnes
- Alpha acid balance 2026/2027: +195 metric tonnes
The balance is calculated by subtracting demand in the following brewing year from alpha acid production in the crop year.
A challenging season in Europe
Low rainfall and a record number of hot days had a significant impact on the 2026 harvest in European growing regions. Low alpha acid levels mean that supply and demand are nearly balanced after years of substantial surpluses. Some European varieties are experiencing supply shortages.
After discussions about necessary acreage adjustments in recent years, nature set the direction in 2026. It remains to be seen how the growing area will develop.
Download the full supply balance
The overview includes alpha acid production, demand and the balance, together with figures for previous years.
Supply balance 2026 – download PDF (English)
Versorgungsbilanz 2026 – PDF herunterladen (Deutsch)
Assessment as of late October 2026. Source: Lupex / Joachim Gehde, reference dated 22 October 2026.
