Hop cone farming, essential for brewing beer, has a rich history dating back to at least the 9th century in Germany, where hops were first recorded as a beer additive for flavor and preservation. The practice spread throughout Europe, especially to the United Kingdom and the Czech lands, by the Middle Ages. Today, the top hop-producing countries are Germany, the United States, and the Czech Republic. Germany, particularly the Hallertau region, remains the world’s largest hop grower, renowned for its traditional aroma varieties. The United States, especially Washington State’s Yakima Valley, has become a global leader in both production volume and the development of new hop varieties, driven by the craft beer movement. The Czech Republic, home to the famous Saaz hop, continues to supply the world with hops prized for their delicate aroma, especially for pilsner-style beers. Together, these countries have shaped both the historical and modern landscape of hop cone farming, influencing brewing traditions worldwide.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | United States of America | 52,450 |
2 | Germany | 47,900 |
3 | Ethiopia | 46,875 |
4 | Czechia | 8,310 |
5 | China | 7,923 |
6 | Poland | 3,110 |
7 | Slovenia | 2,190 |
8 | North Korea | 2,029 |
9 | Albania | 1,780 |
10 | United Kingdom | 1,092 |
11 | Spain | 1,080 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat