Honey market in New Caledonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the honey market in New Caledonia grew from 217 tons to 243 tons. The local industry was well-established, with about 400 beekeepers and over 7,000 hives, achieving 96% self-sufficiency. Sector promotion by the beekeepers' union and long-standing labeling rules provided a stable foundation.

After the 2020 peak, the market volume declined to 222 tons in 2021. This contraction aligned with increased competition among local producers, as internationally awarded quality led to supply exceeding domestic demand, putting downward pressure on prices. In 2022, the market fell further to 186 tons, while the industry launched a strategic Honey Knowledge Guide and secured interest from Japanese importers for future shipments planned from 2025-2026.

The market showed a partial recovery in 2023, rising to 198 tons, indicating some stabilization after the previous declines.

Production honey in New Caledonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

New Caledonia's honey production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 208.0 tonnes, but then increased by 15.4% in 2020 to reach 240.0 tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports honey from New Caledonia

Exports in kind, kg

Export volumes showed irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest exports were recorded in 2017, while the highest came in 2019, creating a 4.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, New Caledonia exported 519 kg of honey, representing a 16.5% decrease from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France was the primary destination for New Caledonia's honey exports, accounting for 87.7% of total export volumes. Other markets collectively represented a much smaller portion of exports.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Export values displayed an unstable pattern throughout the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, honey exports from New Caledonia totaled 5 682 US dollars, marking a 51.1% year-over-year decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France dominated New Caledonia's honey exports in value terms, capturing 78.2% of total export revenue. Other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports honey to New Caledonia

Imports in kind, kg

Honey imports to New Caledonia reached 3 735 kg in 2020, representing a 34.5% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 43.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when imports grew by 22.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, just two countries—France and Australia—accounted for the vast majority of New Caledonia's honey imports, together representing 99.5% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Honey import values to New Caledonia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 35 574 US dollars, representing a 21.9% increase compared to 2019. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 43.1%, with an average annual decline of 17.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 734 US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 63.7%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with growth of 28.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Caledonia's honey import market in value terms was highly concentrated, with France alone responsible for 91.8% of total import spending.

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

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