Honey Procurement Intelligence Report 2025-2030

Honey Supply-Demand Overview

Key factors driving demand in the global honey market include the rising consumer preference for natural, healthy ingredients, as per the honey procurement market report. As the top honey producer, China continues to lead the market, producing 474,000 tons of honey in 2022, accounting for 26% of global production. The European Union follows closely, with a 16% share of global production. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer of honey, fueled by both traditional uses and growing health awareness in emerging markets. Countries like China and India are dominant in both consumption and production in the region.

According to the honey procurement report, supply-side growth drivers include technological advancements in beekeeping equipment that enhance production efficiency, along with the expansion of honey production capacities in key producing countries like China. Additionally, sustainable farming practices are being implemented to ensure long-term production, while diversifying supply sourcing in emerging markets helps stabilize the global supply in the face of environmental challenges.

Honey Cost Structure

According to the honey procurement report, the cost modeling of honey production is influenced by various key factors, including raw materials, labour, equipment, processing, pricing strategies, and transportation. Raw materials, particularly bees and hives, make up a significant portion of production costs and negotiation strategies. The wellbeing of the bee colony is vital, with extra costs for pest control and feeding during the off-season when nectar is scarce.

Labor costs are another major component, particularly during peak seasons for hive maintenance and honey extraction. As per honey procurement report, efficient labor practices and automation can help reduce operational costs. Equipment, such as beekeeping tools and honey extraction machinery, also contribute to the overall cost modeling, with specialized equipment needed for premium honey varieties, such as organic or raw honey.

Processing and packaging costs follow, with filtration and sometimes pasteurization involved in preparing honey for sale. According to the honey procurement report, premium varieties require more meticulous handling, raising processing costs. Transportation costs depend on the distance from production areas to distribution centers and retail markets, negotiation strategies, with international shipping often adding additional expenses and category management. These factors shape honey’s competitive pricing trends in global markets.

Honey Pricing Trends

According to the honey procurement report, recent pricing trends in the honey market show a steady increase in prices, driven by several factors. This upward trend is mainly attributed to the rising demand for honey as a natural sweetener, particularly in the food, beverage, and wellness industries. Furthermore, challenges in honey production, such as adverse weather conditions, declining bee populations, and disruptions in the supply chain, have contributed to higher prices and category management.

As per procurement research, import prices have also risen, with fluctuations in honey costs from major exporting countries like Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam. Despite these challenges, the growing consumer preference for organic and specialty honey varieties continues to drive the market, resulting in sustained price increases and evolving pricing models.

Honey Procurement Best Practices

According to the honey procurement report, procurement practices in the honey industry involve sourcing, collecting, harvesting, and distributing honey from beekeepers to consumers. Beekeepers typically adopt sustainable practices to maintain the health and productivity of their colonies, such as placing hives in pesticide-free areas and minimizing interference during honey extraction using advanced technological equipment.

As per market research for procurement professionals, honey is usually harvested in the spring or summer, ensuring it is collected when bees have gathered sufficient nectar. After extraction, the honey is filtered and processed to eliminate impurities, then packaged for sale to buyers. Ethical honey sourcing also ensures fair compensation for beekeepers, negotiation strategies support sustainable agriculture, pricing trends, and helps preserve bee populations for future generations.

Key Players in the Honey Industry

Recent Developments in the Honey Procurement Report

• In January 2024, M42  partnered with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) to launch the Honey Quality Laboratory in Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on testing honey for purity, authenticity, and quality, supporting local honey producers and ensuring that products meet strict regulatory standards. In accordance with the honey procurement report, the laboratory is designed to enhance the UAE's honey industry by improving consumer confidence and facilitating compliance with global quality norms. 
• In October 2024 , HoneyPot THC partnered with urbanXtracts to launch THC-infused honey in New York. This new product combines honey with THC to offer a unique edible experience. As per the honey procurement market report, the collaboration is expected to expand the market for infused honey products, with a focus on quality and compliance with New York’s cannabis regulations.
• In October 2024 , Conrad laid the foundation for a Rs 1.52 crore honey production facility in Southwest Garo Hills. The new facility aims to enhance local honey production and promote the region’s beekeeping industry. As per the honey procurement report, this initiative is expected to support sustainable agricultural practices and create employment opportunities in the area, further boosting the honey sector in India.
• In January 2024 , Sweetleaf's parent company acquired Canada's Drizzle Honey to expand its premium honey portfolio. The acquisition strengthens Sweetleaf’s market presence in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on natural and sustainable honey products.