Honey market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The Lithuanian honey market volume expanded from 4 494 tons in 2018 to a peak of 7 029 tons in 2021. In the initial years, the market experienced strong competition from cheaper imported honey from Ukraine and China, which comprised nearly 80% of imports in 2018. Nevertheless, a significant portion of honey was retained for domestic consumption, with wholesale, retail, and processing companies purchasing about 20-25% of the output from professional beekeepers, supporting the overall market size.

Following the peak, the market contracted to 5 542 tons in 2022 and further to 5 412 tons in 2023. Weather patterns significantly influenced the 2023 outcome, as sunny summers with abundant flowering increased hive yields, while rainy periods reduced stocks and contributed to lower domestic production. By 2024, the local honey supply had decreased further, and the share of imported honey on the market continued to diminish, tightening overall availability.

Market evolution was marked by the emergence of new segments, such as certified organic forest honey from the Dzūkija region, produced using natural methods. Enterprises like Uokso bitės maintained high-quality, ecologically certified output. Concurrently, growing consumer interest focused on raw, unfiltered honey that preserves natural substances and flavor, reflecting a shift toward premium and traceable products.

Production honey in Lithuania

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of honey, 2018-2021

World map of production of honey, 2018-2021

Honey production in Lithuania has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Lithuania produced 7 894 tonnes of honey, marking a sharp 30.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 87.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Honey production in Lithuania has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output of honey was valued at 26 137 thousand US dollars in Lithuania, representing a rise of 55.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 95.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 25.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports honey from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Exported honey volumes from Lithuania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 3 303 tonnes, indicating a modest uptick of 4.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 219.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 47.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Spain were the main destinations for Lithuania's honey exports in kind. Poland accounted for 52.1% of exports, Germany for 17.1%, and Spain for 11.6%, together absorbing 80.8% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's honey exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export volume stood at 10 936 thousand US dollars, indicating a rise of 24.0% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 232.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 49.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Spain remained the leading destinations in the value structure of Lithuania's honey exports. Poland accounted for 53.3% of exports in value terms, Germany for 17.0%, and Spain for 8.9%, with a combined share of 79.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021

Imports honey to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Foreign honey supplies to Lithuania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 2 438 tonnes, marking a notable gain of 11.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 84.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine and China were the main suppliers of honey to Lithuania in kind, with a combined share of 80.5% of total imports. The remainder was fragmented across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign honey supplies to Lithuania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 5 359 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 37.7% over the past year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 91.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine, Poland, and China made the biggest contribution to Lithuania's honey imports in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 54.0% of imports, Poland for 23.5%, and China for 12.5%, jointly accounting for 90.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021