The Hop Growers of America have released their annual statistical report which shows that 2021 was a good year overall for the US hop growing industry.
Despite unprecedented challenges throughout the 2021 growing season, the U.S. hop industry managed to harvest a record-breaking 116.5 million pounds of hops. Commercial acreage increased by 4%.
For the fourth year running Citra HBC 394 remains dominant in acreage, this season commanding nearly 1 out of every 5 hop bines in the Pacific Northwest and tallying a total of 11,994 acres. For the first time Mosaic HBC 369 clinched the number two spot with 6,374 acres, preceding third place super alpha CTZ and fourth place Cascade.
Since 2012 US hop acreage has increased 109%, from 29,683 to 62,259 acres. During that period the variety balance shifted from roughly 50-50 alpha and aroma hops in 2012 to 80.5% aroma varieties in 2021.
See the full report here. Also visit the this months ProBrewer Featured Topic section on Beverage Ingredients for more on hops.