Hop cones; ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin

HS code 121020 covers the trade of hop cones, a crucial ingredient in the production of beer and other beverages. Hops are an essential component of the brewing process, providing bitterness, aroma, and preservative properties to the final product. The global hop industry plays a significant role in the broader food and beverage sector, supporting the growth of the craft beer movement and contributing to the overall diversity and quality of the world's beer supply.

Hop cones are typically harvested from hop plants, which are a type of climbing vine. After harvesting, the cones are dried, often using specialized kilns, to reduce their moisture content. The dried cones may then be ground, powdered, or pressed into pellets to facilitate storage, transportation, and use in the brewing process. Lupulin, a yellow powder extracted from the hop cones, is also an important output of this industry and is used to impart additional bitterness and aroma to beer.

The primary inputs for the hop industry include the hop plants themselves, which require specific climatic conditions and soil types to thrive. Growers also rely on agricultural machinery, such as harvesters and drying equipment, as well as energy sources like natural gas or electricity to power the drying and processing facilities. Labor, both skilled and unskilled, is another key input, as the harvesting and processing of hops is often labor-intensive.

The main outputs of the hop industry are the dried, ground, or pelleted hop cones, as well as the extracted lupulin powder. These products are primarily consumed by the 110400 Beer industry, which uses hops to impart bitterness, aroma, and preservative properties to beer. Hops may also be used in the production of 121190 Other medicinal or aromatic plants, such as herbal teas or dietary supplements.