Beekeepers and Honey Producers Association of Iran:
127,000 tons of honey produced per year; 30,000-ton surplus
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
The Beekeepers and Honey Producers Association of Iran emphasized that the Islamic Republic is among the three largest honey-producing countries in the world, saying, “Last year’s honey production in the country was satisfactory, with 127,000 tons of honey produced domestically.”
In an interview with Iran Daily, Abdolreza Bigonah said, “Iran, alongside China and Turkey, is one of the largest honey producers globally. Iran’s diverse climate and four-season geography foster an exceptionally rich variety of flora, giving the country a unique position worldwide. Typically, the finest and highest-quality honey is produced here.”
Highlighting Iran’s high honey consumption, Bigonah explained, “Iran has one of the highest per capita honey consumption rates globally, with each Iranian consuming over one kilogram of honey annually.”
He further stated, “Due to the substantial honey production in the country and its widespread availability, honey prices in Iran are very low. It can confidently be said that Iran has the lowest honey prices among countries worldwide.”
Referring to Iran’s honey production conditions, the head of the association said, “Honey production in the country is closely tied to climatic conditions. If rainfall is adequate in a given year, honey production naturally improves. However, if the country faces drought or sandstorms, and dust settles on flowers, honey production will decline.”
“Accordingly, last year’s rainfall levels yielded favorable honey production, and we hope rainfall continues this spring to sustain increased honey output,” he said.
“In dry, low-rainfall years, national honey production does not exceed 80,000 to 90,000 tons. The truth is, as I mentioned, our honey industry hinges on climate. Reduced rainfall would harm beekeeping, causing losses for producers,” Bigonah said.
According to the association head, “Many Iranian beekeepers migrate seasonally for honey production.”
He said that despite high domestic honey consumption, there is typically an annual surplus of 20,000 to 30,000 tons of honey in the country, which creates significant export potential. “Conversely, if export channels are blocked, beekeepers and honey producers will face greater losses, and the beekeeping industry will be harmed.”
Citing national beekeeping statistics, Bigonah said, “According to the latest official figures, there are 92,122 licensed apiaries nationwide, totaling approximately 11 million beehives across various regions. Globally, there are 91 million beehives.”
“Despite its challenges, the beekeeping and honey production industry is highly profitable and economically valuable — provided the government facilitates exports to both nearby and distant markets,” he added.
“Due to sanctions and difficulties in conducting banking transactions with distant countries, our current exports to continents and far-off regions like Europe are limited. Most Iranian honey is exported to neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, Russia, Syria, Iraq, and some Persian Gulf states,” he concluded.