Find Verified Honey Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads

Golden Goods: The Global Trade of Honey

We all are familiar with the sweetness of honey and the viscous nature of this food substance. It is produced by bees who collect the nectar from flowers, process it with enzymes, and then store it in honeycombs. In this honeycomb, the nectar gets dehydrated and thickens into honey. The history of honey dates back to prehistoric times as an 8,000-year-old cave painting in Spain (such as "Cave of the Spider") depicts honey harvesting. It was ancient Egyptians who first practised beekeeping on a large scale in 24000 BCE. They used the honey for food, traditional medicine, and even religious rituals. In fact, during the Middle Ages, honey was used as a form of currency, offering, or tribute. When Alexander the Great died, he was transported in a vat of honey. We can also find the mention of honey in Indian religious texts, such as the Rig Veda. It was a symbol of wealth in ancient civilization and evolved from a local commodity to a global trade item. In the contemporary era, honey is an important food product worldwide with its deep roots in several cultures. With a consistently growing demand for honey, the opportunity for exporters and producers to connect with honey wholesale buyers continues to expand. 

Understanding the Global Honey Demand in International Trade

It goes without any doubt that honey is one of the most in-demand trade commodities due to several factors. One of the major factors is that consumers are now increasingly becoming aware of the health disadvantages of refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Thus, they are turning to honey as a natural and healthier alternative to processed sugars. Honey is known for its nutritional value as it contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, it has diverse applications as it is used in a range of food products (including baked goods, processed foods, and beverages), cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The increasing population and income levels are also adding to its rising demand in developing nations. The international trade of honey contributes to the economic development of both importing and exporting countries. 

Did you know that global honey production exceeds 1.8 million metric tons annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)? And the top position for the highest growth rate in honey production goes to Africa with a 12% global share (Source: FAO). Additionally, there are some key trends that every honey exporter should closely monitor.

• Increasing demand for raw, organic and monofloral honey in health-conscious markets
• Preference for honey sourced from ethically managed beekeeping practices.
• A shift towards speciality honey (like Manuka honey and Acacia honey), along with infused honey (such as ginger or cinnamon)
• Increasing adulteration checks due to stricter quality and documentation norms from many importing countries.
• Proper packaging & labelling requirements to preserve honey quality during transportation and meet international regulations

Commonly-Traded Honey Varieties and Different Grades

Honey can be broadly divided into monofloral (or unifloral) and multifloral types on the basis of their nectar source. As the name already suggests, monofloral honey comes from bees gathering nectar from one type of flower. On the other hand, multifloral honey (also called wildflower honey) comes from various floral sources. Here is a detailed overview of some of the most commonly traded honey varieties.

Monoflower Honey Category:

Multifloral Honey Category:

Other Special Category:

Understanding these bee honey varieties helps exporters match their supply to what international honey importers are actively looking for. Apart from this, you can also diversify your offerings with related categories to increase buyer appeal as well as shipment volume. Here are the common food products you can explore and include in your export product portfolio:

• Processed food and canned food (ready-to-eat meals)
• Baby food (organic baby snacks or cereal-based baby foods)
• Health foods and superfoods (Herbal food products & other natural sweeteners)
• Food by-products (e.g., beeswax, propolis, etc.)

Furthermore, it’s important to understand the different honey grades, which classify honey based on its quality and characteristics. Organizations like the USDA have established grading systems to standardize these classifications.

Different Honey Grades (USDA):

Global Honey Insights: Important Data for Exporters & Suppliers

Here are key market insights that exporters should stay updated on to make well-informed decisions and grow their export business

Global Honey Market Size:

Source: IMARC

Top Honey Importing Countries: 

Source: Volza

Export Honey Price Trends in India:

Source: Tridge

To get the latest export import updates on honey or connect with fellow agri-traders, visit our Communities section.

How to Find Verified Bulk Honey Buyers Near Me or Globally?

Whether you are looking for organic honey buyers, gourmet honey importers, or Himalayan honey traders, here are the most effective methods to get started:

Use B2B marketplaces that specialize in connecting suppliers with global buyers. One such platform is go4WorldBusiness, where you can sign up, list your products, and get access to a list of verified honey buyers instantly. 

Participate in international food & agriculture expos, such as ANUGA, Gulfood, BioFach, Apimondia, etc. Make sure to carry brochures, product samples, and certificates when you visit these events. It offers a perfect opportunity to network with potential buyers in person.

Other ways to find honey bulk buyers are through import/export directors, Embassies of trade commissions, or Chamber of Commerce listings in the target country. You can prepare a professional export catalogue for a better outcome. 

Many institutions like the UN, the Red Cross, and various NGOs often buy bulk honey for aid programs. You can connect with them through platforms like the UN Global Marketplace and official government tender portals.

Last but not least, try searching online using long-tail keywords such as 'honey buyers near me' or 'how to find real honey buyers' to discover local and global leads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Where to sell honey in bulk in India?

You can sell honey in bulk in India through the following channels:

• Online B2B platforms (e.g., go4WorldBusiness)
• Trade fairs and exhibitions (such as AAHAR, India International Trade Fair)
• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook groups for agri traders)
• E-commerce platforms (Amazon Business, Flipkart Wholesale)
• Direct sales to distributors, retailers, and food manufacturers

2. Who buys the most honey?

The United States is the biggest buyer of honey. 

3. How much does one kg of honey cost?

Honey prices vary depending on quality, origin, certification, and buyer requirements. However, global FOB prices for honey typically range from $3 to $6+ per kg but can go up to $10–20 per kg for premium varieties like Manuka or certified organic honey. 

4. What does raw honey mean?

Unprocessed and unpasteurized honey is called raw honey. The best quality of this honey type is that it retains more of its natural enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.

5. How can I tell if honey is pure?

To know if the honey is pure:

• Check for isotopic purity via mass spectrometry
• Ensure consistent floral signatures and absence of added sugars
• Look for the label and be cautious of those labeled as 'honey blends' or 'honey products' as they are not pure honey
• Do a thumb test: Place a drop of honey on your thumb. Pure honey will stay in a lump and will not spread easily. On the other hand, impure honey will spread like a liquid due to its thinner consistency.
• Do a water test: Add a spoonful of honey to a glass of water. Pure honey will settle at the bottom without dissolving. While adulterated honey will dissolve in the water due to added water
• Do a vinegar test: Mix a few drops of honey with vinegar and water.  If the mixture bubbles or foams, it means there is a presence of adulterants (like chalk powder). The pure honey will not react with the vinegar.

6. What is the source of the honey?

Honey is sourced from honeybees, specifically from the nectar of flowers.

7. How is the honey processed?

The processing of honey usually involves extraction from the honey comb, straining, filtration, heating or pasteurization, and bottling.

8. What is the expiry period of honey?

Honey, in its pure form, does not really expire. It can be stored for extended periods or even indefinitely (if stored properly). However, it may change in appearance, such as crystallization or loss of aroma, but remains edible.

9. What types of honey are exported from India?

Several types of honey are exported from India, major ones include eucalyptus, acacia, lychee, Himalayan honey, and wild flora honey.

10. What are the challenges faced in honey exports?

Some common challenges faced in honey exports are:

• Production limitations
• Quality control issues or adulteration concerns
• Packaging problems
• Fluctuating prices
• Evolving import regulations
• Seasonality and certification costs

11. What is the honey HSN code?

0409 is the pure honey HSN code.

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