Honey market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The honey market in South Africa expanded from 5 016 tonnes in 2018 to 7 285 tonnes in 2021, driven primarily by rising imports which accounted for 86% of supply by 2021. This growth was facilitated by the influx of cheap, often adulterated imported honey, particularly from China, while domestic production remained steady at around 1 084 tonnes annually. Despite legislative standards for honey grading and labelling established under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, the prevalence of adulterated products persisted, creating price competition that encouraged import volume.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, with market volume dropping to 3 307 tonnes, largely due to intensified government crackdowns on illegal honey and the #StopFakeHoney initiative which targeted adulterated imports. These regulatory actions reduced the availability of cheap imported honey. The market partially recovered to 5 444 tonnes in 2023 as support programs like the Honey Production Project continued to assist emerging beekeepers with training and equipment, and female farmers expanded hive numbers to boost local supply.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences shifted towards raw, natural, and locally produced honey, emphasizing health benefits and sustainability. Simultaneously, scientific methods such as melissopalynology were developed to authenticate honey origin and combat fraud, while regulatory proposals aimed to label adulterated products as 'honey flavoured syrup' to protect the industry.

Production honey in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of honey, 2018-2021

World map of production of honey, 2018-2021

South Africa's honey production remained stable in 2021, with output totaling 1,084 tons. This matched the peak level recorded in 2020. In 2019, production showed no significant change, with both the largest decline and increase registering at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, South Africa's honey production value rebounded in 2021. Output was valued at 5,341 thousand US dollars, representing a 20.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 2.8%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 4,437 thousand US dollars, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 15.6%.

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

Exports honey from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's honey export volume grew for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports reached 666 tons, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports expanded by 40.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho remained the top destinations for South African honey exports by volume. Namibia accounted for 40.6% of exports, Botswana for 23.6%, and Lesotho for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of total honey exports from South Africa.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa's honey export value continued its upward trend for the third straight year in 2021. Exports totaled 3,283 thousand US dollars, showing a 21.5% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 36.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho formed the core markets for South African honey exports by value. Namibia represented 32.2% of export value, Botswana accounted for 28.9%, and Lesotho contributed 9.7%. Collectively, these three countries made up 70.9% of total honey export value.

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

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

Imports honey to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's honey import volume increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. Imports stood at 6,868 tons, reflecting a 14.4% gain from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 55.8%, averaging an annual increase of 15.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China dominated South Africa's honey imports by volume, accounting for 79.1% of total imports. Other source countries played relatively minor roles during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, South Africa's honey import value declined in 2021. Imports were recorded at 8,316 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 13.6% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value still increased by 25.8%, averaging 7.9% annual growth. The peak value occurred in 2020 at 9,627 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.6%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, China and Zambia were the dominant suppliers of honey to South Africa by value. Together, these two countries accounted for 83.7% of total import value, with other trading partners playing less significant roles.

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

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