Honey market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

The honey market in Israel is highly concentrated and operates under comprehensive regulation by the Honey Council, authorized under the Control of Goods and Services Order. The Ministry of Agriculture actively intervenes by publishing recommended consumer prices and managing import quotas to support local beekeeping and ensure affordability. Yad Mordechai dominates the market with about 55% share, alongside other major apiaries. Domestic production does not meet total demand, so imports consistently supplement the market.

Local honey output rose by 11% in 2019 due to favorable weather and abundant blooming, lifting production to 3 800 t. The market volume grew significantly in 2020, reaching 5 675 t, as demand remained firm during the COVID‑19 pandemic and imports surged. Production stabilized in 2021 at 4 000 t amid the entry of novel technologies like bee‑free cultured honey by Bio Honey, though economic challenges limited their immediate impact. In 2022, production expanded again to 4 500 t, supported by the strengthened position of large producers through import‑quota allocations. The following year, however, output fell sharply to 3 500 t, while imports jumped under government quotas aimed at lowering living costs, keeping the total market volume nearly steady at 5 965 t.

Government measures played a key role throughout the period: import duty exemptions were granted first to producers and later to retailers, always favoring established players. The Ministry of Agriculture’s recommended price cap of 35 shekels per kg before holidays became a regular tool to curb inflation. Regulatory tightening on bee feeding and quality standards, along with marketing innovations such as spreadable honey from Yad Mordechai, shaped the industry’s structure. In 2024, the Ministry continued to issue recommended prices and duty‑free import quotas exclusively for producers, further consolidating the market.

Production honey in Israel

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Israel has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4,000 tons of honey, marking a 5.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 14.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of honey output in Israel reached 21,049 thousand US dollars, representing a significant increase of 31.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15,974 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports honey from Israel

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, honey export volumes from Israel declined. In 2020, exports totaled 38 tons, indicating a sharp decrease of 58.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 18.9%, with a CAGR of -6.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 90 tons, which experienced the largest increase of 63.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for honey exports in kind. The United States accounted for 41.4% of exports, Canada for 17.9%, and the United Kingdom for 11.5%, together making up 70.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, honey shipments from Israel to abroad declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 199 thousand US dollars, which is 47.5% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8.3%, with a CAGR of -2.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 379 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 42.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the main buyers of Israeli honey in value terms. The United States represented 41.7% of exports, Canada 18.3%, and the United Kingdom 11.3%, together comprising 71.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports honey to Israel

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year drop, foreign honey supplies to Israel increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1,712 tons, reflecting a steep rise of 38.8% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.5%, with a CAGR of -7.0%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 1,233 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 29.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Israel in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Ukraine, and Argentina were the largest suppliers of honey to Israel in kind. Spain accounted for 37.7% of imports, Ukraine for 26.3%, and Argentina for 8.4%, together forming 72.4% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, honey imports to Israel increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 4,865 thousand US dollars, up by 47.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3,289 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 35.9%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Spain, Ukraine, and Argentina were the main markets for honey imports to Israel in value terms. Spain represented 39.1% of imports, Ukraine 25.6%, and Argentina 8.2%, together accounting for 72.9% of total import flows.

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

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