Honey market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Iran's honey market saw its volume increase from 71.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 76.7 thousand tons in 2023, even as its market value declined from $373.9 million to $279.0 million over the same period. The industry's initial high base was supported by abundant natural pastures ideal for beekeeping and steady domestic demand rooted in traditional medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted demand for honey due to its perceived health benefits, driving volume growth. However, economic challenges and climate fluctuations in 2021 put downward pressure on prices, leading to a sharp drop in market value.

Market volume continued to expand in the following years, while the industry placed greater emphasis on quality, packaging, and product differentiation—such as rare monofloral varieties—which supported premium pricing segments, though overall value remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Production honey in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked fifth globally in honey production.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

In 2020, Iran produced 73,946 tonnes of honey, marking a 2.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.4%, averaging an annualized rate of 0.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Iran's honey production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 345.8 million US dollars, down by 4.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 383.1 million US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019, falling by 5.1%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, rising by 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Iran in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports honey from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Iran exported 1,985 tonnes of honey, representing a sharp increase of 39.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 19.0%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, surging by 76.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iran in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan were the top destinations for Iran's honey exports in volume terms, accounting for 49.5%, 12.6%, and 6.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 69.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. The lowest export value occurred in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of two times. In 2020, Iran's honey exports amounted to 9,282 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 29.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 22.2%, and the most substantial increase was in 2018, jumping by 97.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan led as the primary destinations for Iran's honey exports in value terms, with shares of 54.2%, 8.4%, and 7.4%, respectively. Combined, they represented 70.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports honey to Iran

According to available market information, Iran did not import any honey from 2017 to 2020.