Australia Honey Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2024-2032

Australia Honey Market Trends

The growth of the Australia honey market is driven by its global reputation for high quality, purity, and distinctive flavours, positioning it as a premium product. Strong demand for varieties like Manuka is creating significant export opportunities. Honey, particularly Manuka, is valued for its health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Beekeepers prioritise sustainable practices that promote environmental conservation, while the market offers a variety of options such as bush, leatherwood, and native floral honey to suit diverse tastes. In 2022–23, Australian honey producers maintained 100% compliance with local standards, and the National Residue Survey’s quality management system (QMS) is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

The Australia honey market is thriving due to its premium branding, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality products. Local production benefits Australian farmers and supports the national economy. Producers are adopting eco-friendly packaging, attracting environmentally conscious buyers. Honey is increasingly seen as a natural sweetener, providing a healthier alternative to refined sugars, while demand for organic honey grows as consumers favour natural, chemical-free products.

Australia Honey Market Growth

The Australia honey market revenue is impacted as it is in high demand internationally, particularly in markets such as Asia and the Middle East. The export of premium honey, especially Manuka, is expanding rapidly. Ongoing research into the health benefits of honey, particularly for therapeutic purposes, boosts its market appeal. Honey’s long shelf life and natural preservation make it a practical product for both consumers and suppliers. Additionally, honey production aids in preserving Australian biodiversity by supporting the conservation of native flora. Native Australian honey contains 'trehalulose', some sugar with a lower Glycemic Index than regular honey. Australian Native Bee Honey, one of the rarest in the world, is cold-extracted, unadulterated, and boasts a distinct, sweet, tangy flavour with eucalyptus and lemon notes, produced by bees in Queensland’s Glass House Mountains.

Rising awareness of honey’s health benefits is driving consumer interest and shaping the Australia honey market dynamics and trends. Honey holds cultural significance in Australia, with many native plants contributing to the country’s diverse honey varieties. Ethical sourcing practices are becoming more prevalent, appealing to conscious consumers. Australia’s diverse climate and distinctive flora create unique honey flavours, further enhancing its appeal. The Australian honey market is recognised for its strong reputation for safety, quality, and traceability, fostering consumer trust.

Australia Honey Market Insights

• The Australian honey industry generates over USD 14 billion annually, as reported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF). This highlights the industry's substantial economic contribution to the country, reflecting both strong domestic consumption and a profitable export market, which fuels growth and innovation.
• Industry reports indicate that Australia exports about 10% of its honey, with major markets including North America, East and South-East Asia, and the Middle East. These export channels enhance Australia’s global standing for premium honey, especially varieties like Manuka, and contribute to economic growth and international trade ties.
• Valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion by the International Trade Administration, Australia’s cosmetics industry benefits from the increasing use of honey in skincare products. With its natural antibacterial and moisturising qualities, honey has become a sought-after ingredient in beauty formulations, driving higher demand for Australian honey in the personal care market.
• The honey market in Western Australia is expected to grow at a rate of 16.2% from 2024 to 2032.

Industry News

December 2023

One Honey Australia introduced its premium Manuka honey, with nationwide delivery available across Australia. The company invested in high-quality labels and distinctive dark jars to shield the honey from light and temperature, preserving its MGO content. Their focus on design and quality established a new benchmark for the product.

January 2023

Sunshine Coast business Hum Honey has won the prestigious Best New Australian Made Product award for its COLD FUSION® honey at the Fine Food Expo in Melbourne. Competing with 400 products, Hum Honey's cold infusion process, which introduced unique flavours such as lavender, lemon myrtle, and truffle, was recognised as the most outstanding new food product.

Australia Honey Market Drivers

Increased Demand for Organic and Raw Honey

The growing demand for organic and raw honey is influencing the Australia honey market dynamics and trends as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. These honey varieties are seen as more natural, offering better nutritional value and fewer preservatives than conventional honey. This shift towards cleaner, sustainable food products has led Australian beekeepers to adopt eco-friendly farming methods. The rise in both local and international markets prioritising organic certification has further elevated Australian honey as a premium product. In November 2023, the Mallee eucalypts at Annuello Flora & Fauna Reserve, including White Mallee, Giant Angular Mallee, and Christmas Mallee, produced abundant pollen and nectar, with their spring honey available for purchase online and at stockists nationwide.

Focus on Sustainable Beekeeping Practices

Sustainability is driving demand of the Australia honey market, with both producers and consumers increasingly prioritising environmentally responsible practices. Australian honey producers are adopting sustainable beekeeping methods, such as reducing pesticide use, conserving bee habitats, and practising ethical production. This shift is fuelled by growing awareness of global environmental challenges and a rising demand for sustainably sourced products. As a result, Australian honey producers are positioning themselves as leaders in eco-friendly beekeeping, enhancing their market appeal both locally and internationally. Malfroy’s Gold and Natural Beekeeping Australia are pioneering small rural businesses, offering world-class honey and bee products. They also supply handmade Warré hives and run intensive educational courses, known for their 'bee-friendly' approach and unconventional hive management style focused on bee, environmental, and community health.

Opportunities in the Australian Honey Market

The demand for the Australia honey market has surged, driven by growing consumer interest in locally produced and artisan honey. This trend reflects a shift towards supporting local producers and enjoying unique, small-batch honey varieties with distinct flavours. Artisan producers are capitalising on this by offering speciality honey like bush, leatherwood, and native floral types. This focus on local production also benefits the Australian agricultural sector, as consumers place increasing value on the connection between food origin and quality. According to the Victorian Farmers Federation, honey production significantly contributes to the economy of many rural Victorian areas, with 85% of Australia’s unique honey sourced from native flora, particularly blossoming Eucalypts.

Market Restraints

The Australia halal market faces several key challenges, including limited awareness and education about halal products among the general population, which slows market growth. Halal certification is a complex and costly process, especially for small businesses, and strict compliance across the supply chain is crucial. Sourcing halal-certified ingredients and meat is another issue, with supply limitations causing higher prices and availability inconsistencies.

The market is also fragmented, with intense competition from both local producers and imported products, often leading to price pressures. Additionally, cultural, and religious concerns around strict adherence to halal standards create significant challenges for businesses, particularly regarding cross-contamination and maintaining consumer trust.

Australia Honey Industry Segmentation

“Australia Honey Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Processing

• Organic
• Conventional

Market Breakup by Application

• Food and Beverage
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Channel
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Australian Capital Territory
• Western Australia
• Others

Australia Honey Market Share

Market Analysis by Processing

According to the Australia honey market analysis, organic honey is produced using sustainable practices that ensure purity and high quality without harmful chemicals. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2032, offering numerous health benefits, such as antimicrobial properties and antioxidants. The growing consumer preference for natural products is driving demand, supporting local beekeepers, and promoting eco-friendly farming methods. As reported by the Australian Honeybee Industry Council in 2023, over 4,887 tonnes of honey and comb were exported from Australia in the past year, valued at over USD 56 million, with North America, China, Japan, and South-East Asia being the key export markets.

The growth of the Australia honey market is also supported by conventional honey, which is widely available and more affordable than organic alternatives, making it accessible to a broader consumer base. It provides essential nutrients and energy, making it popular for various culinary uses. The established supply chain ensures consistent availability, catering to diverse consumer preferences for sweetness in food and beverages.

Market Analysis by Application

According to the Australia honey market report, honey is increasingly used in personal care and cosmetics due to its natural moisturizing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2032, driven by demand for natural ingredients. In March 2024, Mānuka Health launched its first skincare range, featuring three new collections—Life, Immunity, and Immortality, infused with high-grade mānuka honey, propolis, and royal jelly to promote skin health and resilience.

The growth of the Australia honey market is also driven by the pharmaceutical sector, where honey is valued for its therapeutic properties. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032, with honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects supporting wound healing and respiratory health. Fitrah Australian Manuka Honey Lozenges, made with high-potency MGO 900+ manuka honey, provide antibacterial relief and soothe sore throats.

Market Analysis by Distribution Channel

The Australia honey market benefits from opportunities in convenience stores, which provide easy access to honey products for consumers seeking quick, on-the-go options. Their strategic locations in urban areas encourage impulse purchases, making honey readily available for health-conscious shoppers. This accessibility helps promote local brands and supports honey as a natural sweetener.

The growth of the Australia honey market is also driven by online channels, which offer unmatched convenience for purchasing honey. Consumers can compare products and explore a wider range of options, including specialty and organic varieties. E-commerce platforms enable home delivery, catering to the rising demand for health-focused products while boosting brand visibility and customer engagement. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that in the 2020-21 period, the e-commerce retail sector accounted for 41.5% of the growth in the value added by digital activities in Australia.

Australia Honey Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Honey Market Overview

According to the Australia honey industry analysis, New South Wales is Australia's leading honey producer, making a substantial contribution to the national market. The state's diverse flora fosters high-quality honey varieties, boosting export prospects and economic growth while promoting sustainable beekeeping practices that support local ecosystems. In 2021-22, honey production in New South Wales was valued at AUD 58 million, with exports rising by 20% to AUD 13.5 million. The state held 44% of Australia's honeybee hives, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2022.

Queensland Honey Market Trends

Queensland's honey market is driven by growing consumer interest in unique and organic honey varieties. This trend supports local beekeepers, encourages innovation, and promotes sustainable practices that benefit biodiversity and agricultural resilience. As of November 2022, Queensland had 9,279 registered beekeepers managing 154,872 hives, representing 19.4% of Australia's beekeepers, as reported by Bee Aware, 2022.

Western Australia Honey Market Dynamics

Western Australia’s honey market thrives due to its unique native flora, producing distinctive honey varieties. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2032. The state’s focus on sustainable practices and pollination services boosts agricultural productivity and supports the demand for premium honey products. In November 2022, Western Australia reported 4,526 registered beekeepers with 55,020 hives, accounting for 9.4% of Australia's beekeeping sector, according to Bee Aware, 2022.

Competitive Landscape

The Australia honey market key players specialise in producing a diverse range of high-quality honey products, including signature blends and premium varieties such as Manuka honey. These companies are dedicated to sustainable beekeeping practices, supporting local Australian beekeepers, and ensuring the highest standards of honey production. They also prioritise environmental responsibility, focusing on the preservation of bee populations and their habitats.

Key Industry Players

Capilano Honey Limited: Headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, Capilano Honey Limited was established in 1953. The company is one of Australia’s leading honey producers, known for its wide range of honey products, including premium varieties like Manuka. Capilano is committed to high-quality production and sustainability, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Beechworth Honey Pty Ltd.: It is founded in 1992, and is based in Beechworth, Victoria. Specialising in premium, raw honey sourced from local beekeepers, the company is renowned for its environmentally conscious practices and wide range of honey products. Beechworth Honey focuses on supporting sustainable, bee-friendly farming methods.

Manuka Health New Zealand Limited: Founded in 2006, Manuka Health New Zealand Limited is headquartered in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. The company is a leading global producer of Manuka honey, recognised for its health benefits. Manuka Health is committed to sustainable beekeeping practices and producing high-quality, therapeutic honey products for health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Jacca Group: Established in 1990, Jacca Group is based in Sydney, Australia. The company is known for its production and distribution of high-quality honey and related products, with a focus on premium and organic varieties. Jacca Group places an emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supporting local beekeepers.

Other key players in the Australia honey market report are Hive + Wellness Australia Pty Ltd. and Melita Honey Farm, among others.

Recent Developments

May 2024

First Honey launched on Amazon, using sales data to secure shelf space in 10,000 stores. Their flagship product, sterile medical-grade Manuka honey, is known for its antibacterial and skin cell regenerative properties, often recommended by doctors for treating wounds and burns. The brand later expanded with bandages and eczema cream.

July 2021

Bega Cheese Limited launched its new honey product, B honey, developed with creative agency Thinkerbell. Focused on supporting honeybees, Bega introduced the Purple Hive Project, an AI-powered, solar-driven hive designed to detect the Varroa Destructor mite, which threatens bee colonies globally and the viability of the Australian honey industry.