2026 Honey Market Forecast: Prices, Demand & Big Shifts

Honey, or liquid gold as many call it, is heading into 2026 with substantial shifts in prices and demand. After long years of climate pressure, production fluctuation, changing consumer behavior, and other factors, honey is no longer "just" a sweetener. It is a strategic commodity.

This article breaks down the 2026 forecast for honey, covering all you need to know: prices, demand, driving factors, and more. 

What the Numbers Have to Say

• The global honey market is expected to grow from USD 9.73 billion in 2026 to USD 14.73 billion by 2035. The expected CAGR during this period is 4.7%. 

• The honey industry has witnessed:

• 35% more investments in sustainable beekeeping practices 

• 31% growth in e-commerce distribution 

• 27% rise in the launch of flavored honey products 

• As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), over 120 exporting countries are involved in global trade. 

Key Market Drivers

Rising Health Consciousness

Honey is recognized for its many benefits. For starters, it contains essential antioxidants and trace minerals and vitamins. Honey also boasts antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These unique properties make it suitable for heart health, healing, weight management, and metabolism. 

Unlike sugar, its low glycemic index offers sustainable energy without glucose spikes. Thus, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes after careful consideration from doctors. 

Need for Natural Sweeteners

One of the significant shifts brought about by rising health consciousness is the increasing demand for natural sweeteners. Raw honey, which is minimally processed and retains most of its natural enzymes and nutrients, is a great alternative here. 

Booming Beauty and Skincare Industry

Honey is an excellent skin-soothing and nourishing ingredient that finds its application in body lotions, moisturizers, face masks and even face washes. It helps reduce bacteria, intensely hydrates your skin, and speeds up the wound healing process. Furthermore, its results for even toning skin tone and treating acne, psoriasis, and eczema make it a sought-after ingredient. 

Functional Food

Functional foods are foods that are enhanced with specific nutrients that offer health benefits beyond just the basics. Honey is one such functional food. With over 200 components improving its medicinal and physiological properties, honey can be used in a variety of foods. These include:

• Biscuits

• Ice creams

• Breakfast items like shakes, oats, and toasts 

• Breads and baked goods 

• Sauces and marinades 

Its probiotic properties make it excellent for maintaining good gut health. This, in turn, improves overall metabolism and food absorption. 

Growth of Precision Apiculture Technologies 

The decline in bee colonies globally forced the farmers, environmentalists, and other stakeholders to make efforts using advanced AI, machine learning, and monitoring systems to protect bee colonies. The use of AI for hive monitoring has shown impressive results for improving colony health, preventing collapse and improving bee foraging. All these factors contribute to increased honey production by bees and harvest by farmers. 

Emerging Trends

Flavors 

We all know of honey varieties like Manuka, Oak, Acacia, etc. However, we are now seeing a rise in unique combinations that offer a deep flavor profile along with benefits. For instance:

• Turmeric honey for combating inflammation

• Ginger honey for supporting digestion

• Cinnamon honey to uphold metabolic balance 

• Yuzu honey with an extra dose of Vitamin C

• Adaptogenic blends with ashwagandha and other herbs

Similarly, unique floral sources are getting attention due to their characteristic flavor. Besides the popular clover and wildflower variants, some of the other variants whose demands may increase are Lavender, Sage and Orange Blossom honey. 

Sustainability

Additionally, farmers are now aiming at traceable sourcing and sustainable packaging as consumers become more interested in knowing what's in their honey and if it's environmentally friendly. This also comes in response to the decrease in bee colonies due to climate and other factors. 

In fact, the EU's 2024/1438 regulation now requires full batch-level traceability. Exporters that use tools like blockchain to clearly verify honey origin gain an advantage, while low-cost suppliers that can't prove authenticity risk being pushed out of the market.

Recent Developments

• November 2024: Australia updated its EU TRACES listings for honey producers. The update added new certification requirements for edible beeswax exports under Regulation 2023/2652.

• January 2025: India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade extended the minimum export price for honey to USD 2,000 per metric ton through December 2025. The move aims to prevent under-invoicing and protect farmer income.

• February 2025: Researchers at the University of Columbia, Riverside, found that Electronic Bee-Veterinarian sensors reduced colony losses. With the ability to warn 3 days in advance about dangerous heat stress days, they can support large-scale use. 

FAQs

How big is the natural honey market?

It was expected to reach USD 11.5 billion in 2025. The Asia-Pacific dominates the market with approximately 39% of the share, followed by Europe at 32% and North America at 23%. 

What is the expected growth rate of global honey demand?

The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3%. Thus reaching USD 14.2 billion by 2030.

Which country has the highest honey consumption?

The United States has the highest regional consumption with strong demand for organic and raw honey in retail and industrial applications. Some other countries are Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

How is the medical use of honey impacting the demand?

Extensive use in cough syrups, wound dressing, and topical gels has increased its demand. It accounted for approximately 20% of the honey market in 2025.