Honey market in Georgia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, honey production in Georgia remained steady at 2 500 t, with market volume around 2 500 t. During this period, a trend toward premium small-size packaging (glass and plastic) encouraged consumer demand, while Technical Regulation No. 714/2015 enforced labeling rules and banned certain materials, shaping quality standards. In 2020, production dipped to 2 400 t and market volume to 2 380 t, coinciding with stricter quality controls after foreign minerals were detected in honey, leading to more rigorous inspections.

The market shifted notably in 2021–2022. Production fell to 2 000 t, and market volume dropped to 1 773 t by 2022. This contraction was driven by a surge in exports, which peaked at 258 t in 2022, fueled by improved access to the EU market under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The export boom redirected a large share of domestic output abroad, reducing local availability.

In 2023, production recovered to 2 100 t and market volume rose to 1 995 t. Exports declined to 110 t, partly due to evolving technical marking requirements for international trade. By 2024, exports fell further, dropping 75% year-on-year in the January–September period, reflecting economic adjustments and renegotiation of export contracts.

Production honey in Georgia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Georgia produced 2 400 tons of honey in 2020, marking a moderate decline of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.4%. The largest change occurred in 2018, with production remaining stable at 0.0% growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Georgia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports honey from Georgia

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 9.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Georgia exported 21 713 kg of honey, representing a sharp increase of 240.4% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 69.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 834.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Georgia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Azerbaijan, Italy, and the United States were the main destinations for Georgia's honey exports in kind. Azerbaijan accounted for 34.8% of exports, Italy for 19.6%, and the United States for 10.0%, together making up 64.5% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Georgia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes in value terms hit their low in 2017 and their high in 2020, varying 7.8 times between these years. In 2020, Georgia's honey exports amounted to 122.6 thousand US dollars, which is 117.7% higher than in 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 19.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 341.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Georgia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, the United States, and Azerbaijan led as the top buyers of Georgia's honey in value terms. Italy represented 19.4% of exports, the United States 17.3%, and Azerbaijan 15.7%, with their combined share reaching 52.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Georgia in value, 2017-2020

Imports honey to Georgia

Imports in kind, kg

Georgia's honey import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 587 kg, reflecting a steep drop of 80.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 96.5%, with an average annual decline of 67.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Georgia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Russia dominated Georgia's honey imports in kind, together accounting for 86.1% of total flows, while other destinations had smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Georgia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Georgia's honey import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 21.7 thousand US dollars, showing a steep decrease of 53.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 81.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 43.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Georgia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Germany led the structure of Georgia's honey imports in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 33.1% of imports, Russia for 30.2%, and Germany for 18.9%, together representing 82.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Georgia in value, 2017-2020