2026 Summer Global Hop Update

Industry leaders worldwide have released their summer crop reports, and 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year as the global hop market continues its correction cycle. 

Overall, we continue to see large decreases in major growing areas, continuing the trend of recent years with another large scale cutback of approximately 1300ha (3212 acres) in 2026. Some varieties are gaining ground, where others have been completely taken out of production. Meanwhile, European growers are battling compounding environmental pressures that threaten yields and supply chains. 

Germany

Accounting for majority of the global cutback at a staggering 1,101 ha (2720 acres) or 5.8% - some varietals faired worse than others. Perle, for example was reduced by 14% and attributed to 337ha (832 acres or 30%) of the acreage reduction in Germany for 2026. Other noticeable varieties on the downswing include Magnum (-20%), Tradition (-14%), and Mittelfrüher (6.5%). 

In combination with incredibly dry summer conditions in the region affecting yields - the Tettnang hop growing region was hit with massive hailstorms in mid July that left growers  expecting a total loss of yield from anywhere between 10 and 50%. The regions largest varieties by area are Tettnanger, Perle, Mittelfrüher, and Herkules. 

Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, and the UK

CZ, POL, SLO: These three regions have remained relatively stable in terms of acreage cutbacks, accounting for only about 11% of the global cutbacks combined. Poland actually saw an increase of 25ha (62 acres). Slovenia accounted for majority of the cutback in these regions (largely in Aurora acreage), and unfortunately - like the Tettnang region, was severely damaged by weather events. In June, a severe hailstorm damaged a large amount of Slovenia's growing region, leaving farmers with about 70% crop destruction, and no plans to harvest for 2026. 

The UK has not released a formal 2026 acreage report, but recent trends and reports from other agricultural sectors suggest a similarly stressful growing season.

United States & Canada

US: The US PNW only saw a reduction of 4ha (10 acres), and both growing conditions and water sourcing seems to have remained stable. Water continues to be rationed in some large growing regions, but growers have been managing well, and low pest pressure has been consistent throughout the season. Most regions are producing as expected or above average, although there is some concern of how the recent fires across the continents PNW will affect the crop. Citra® acreage continued to expand, along with Helios™, Krush™ and Dolcita™. However, stock of Amarillo®, Azacca®, and Simcoe®, continue to decline, with Apollo being completely removed from production. 

Canada: While Canada does not currently have formal acreage reporting like other major regional players, we keep a close eye on what is happening in both our domestic market, and our own fields. Canada continued to see a decrease in growers - and therefore acreage, in 2026. For BC specifically, the loss of Myrtle Meadows Hop Farm leaves only one full service, direct-to-farm broker in Western Canada (which is us). Wildfires have been severe this season, but smoke-taint mitigation methods are in place to protect the quality of the crop.

Overall, the Fraser Valley is expecting somewhat of a bumper crop this year, with yields looking to be above average - low pest pressures and stable weather, our region is set to grow, rather than continue to shrink. Reports from growers in Delta, and the East Coast have also been positive indicators for a good 2026 harvest. 

So... how does this affect Canadian Brewers?

The immediate challenge is straightforward: price and availability. European varieties will be hit hardest on both fronts. Distributors are already raising prices on 2025-crop Tettnang, Mittelfrüh, and Magnum, with complete shortages of varieties like Perle on spot sheets. North American distributors are signaling that spot availability will tighten, especially in late 2027, and are urging brewers to contract early.

Unfortunately, contracting troubled EU varieties locks in availability but doesn't solve rising costs.

Practical Alternatives

If you rely on traditional European varieties, consider supplementing or replacing them with domestically grown counterparts. Because our farms sit on the 49th parallel -sharing the same latitudinal sweet spot as the Hallertau region (48th) - our terroir and growing conditions produce a profile much closer to authentic European varieties than our southern neighbours do.

Many brewers have already made the switch for their noble recipes, relying on domestic options like BC Grown Perle, Mt. Hood, Triumph, Mittelfruh, Magnum, Saaz, and Nextgen Hops’ new addition, GAAN. You can check out what we have available in our Noble & Noble-like collection, or reach out directly to discuss options tailored to your brewhouse.

It doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing either. Blending domestic counterparts with your European supply allows you to stabilize your inventory, lower costs, and support local growers without sacrificing the final pour.

The Bottom Line

The hop market is still correcting itself. Global oversupply persists, but geopolitical shifts, unpredictable growing conditions, and evolving hop product formats are reshaping the landscape. The best move? Talk to your farmer and your suppliers. Let's work together to navigate this transition toward a sustainable settlement point.

Sources: 

• *Offizielle Flächendaten 2026 - Hopfenbau Deutschland.xlsx
• Hop Update June 2026 |
• Hop Update July 2026 |
• CropReport_ August 1st to 16th _.pdf
• Direct conversations with Canadian growers
• BarthHaas Report 2025/2026 - Hops Connect