Production of hops in Slovenia began already in 19th century. In that initial period the production varied from 300 to 4,000 tons per year, while nowadays it is stabilized at about 2,500 tons on 1,500 hectares.
Different varieties grow on well cultivated hop fields; in average about 12 ha per farm.
The Institute for Beer Brewing and Hop Growing, placed in town of Žalec, takes care of production control and varieties development. This institute is also authorized by Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture to award certificates in accordance with EU Regulation 1850/2006.
Group I
Fine aroma hops: Hallertauer Mittelfrüher, Hersbrucker Spät,
Klon 18, Lubliner, Saazer, SA-1, Spalter,
Styrian Savinjski Golding (SSG), Styrian
Golding – Celeia (SG), Strisselspalter,
Tettnanger. (Alpha acid to 4,5%)
Group II
Aroma hops: Super Styrian Aurora (SSA), Styrian
Golding B (SGB), Cascade, Sluster, First
Gold, Fuggles, Golding, Hallertauer Tradition,
Mount Hood, NZ Hallertau, Opal, Perle,
Saphir, Smaragd, Spalter Select, Sterling,
Willamette. (Alpha acid over 4,5%)
Group III
High alpha hops: Magnum, Merkur …