벌꿀 시장 규모는 2024년 102억 6,000만 달러로 평가되었고, 2026-2032년 연평균 5.31% 성장하여 2032년에는 155억 2,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
벌꿀은 꿀벌이 꽃의 벌꿀에서 생산하는 천연 감미료입니다. 주로 과당, 포도당, 물로 구성되어 있으며 미량의 다른 당류, 효소, 비타민, 미네랄을 함유하고 있습니다.
벌꿀의 질감은 진하고 점성이 있으며, 색과 맛은 꽃의 출처와 가공 기술에 따라 밝은 황금색에서 짙은 호박색까지 다양합니다.
벌꿀의 항균 특성은 낮은 수분 함량, 산성 pH, 박테리아와 곰팡이에 대한 내성을 만드는 효소 및 기타 화합물의 존재에 기인합니다. 이 독특한 조합은 특정 응용 분야에서 벌꿀을 천연 방부제로 만듭니다.
식음료의 감미료로 많이 쓰이는 벌꿀은 요리나 과자 만들기의 조미료로도 인기가 높습니다.
벌꿀은 요리에만 사용되는 것이 아니라 인후통 완화, 상처 치유 촉진, 기침에 대한 자연 요법 등 다양한 건강 효능이 있는 것으로 알려져 있습니다. 하지만 벌꿀은 당분 함량이 높기 때문에 적당히 섭취하는 것이 좋습니다.
세계 벌꿀 시장을 형성하는 주요 시장 역학은 다음과 같습니다.
자연적이고 건강한 감미료에 대한 소비자 선호도 증가: 소비자의 건강 지향성이 높아지면서 벌꿀과 같은 천연 감미료에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있습니다. 미국 벌꿀위원회(National Honey Board)의 2022년 보고서에 따르면, 소비자의 93%가 벌꿀을 천연 감미료로 인식하고 있습니다. 소비자의 93%는 벌꿀을 천연 감미료로 간주합니다. 소비자의 71%가 설탕보다 벌꿀이 몸에 더 좋다는 데 동의 미국 내 벌꿀 소비량은 지난 10년간 36% 증가하여 2021년에는 6억 1,800만 파운드에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
식음료 산업에서의 용도 확대 벌꿀은 다양한 식음료 제품에 사용되면서 시장 성장을 주도하고 있습니다. 유엔식량농업기구(FAO)의 보고서에 따르면, 세계 벌꿀 생산량은 2010년 160만 톤에서 2019년 190만 톤으로 증가했습니다. 전 세계 벌꿀 소비량의 약 80%는 식품 산업이 차지합니다.
2023년 Journal of Food Science and Technology에 발표된 연구에 따르면, 벌꿀은 효소, 비타민, 미네랄, 유기산 등 200여 종의 물질을 함유하고 있으며, 벌꿀의 약효와 치료 효과에 대한 인식이 높아짐에 따라 식품과 비식품 분야 모두에서 벌꿀의 건강상의 이점을 인정받고 있습니다. 미네랄, 유기산 등 200개 이상의 물질이 함유되어 있는 것으로 나타났습니다. 영국 성인 2,000명을 대상으로 한 조사에서 65%가 인후통 완화, 면역력 강화 등 건강상의 이점을 느껴 벌꿀을 사용한다고 답했습니다.
주요 과제
꿀벌 개체수 감소와 꿀벌 군집 붕괴 증후군 꿀벌 개체수 감소는 벌꿀 생산에 심각한 위협이 되고 있습니다. 미국 농무부(USDA)에 따르면, 미국 양봉가들은 2020년 4월부터 2021년 4월까지 관리하고 있는 꿀벌 군집의 45.5%를 잃을 것으로 추정하고 있습니다. 미국의 벌꿀 생산 군집 수는 2017년 296만 개에서 2021년에는 271만 개로 감소할 것으로 예측됩니다.
불순물과 품질에 대한 우려 벌꿀의 불순물은 소비자의 신뢰와 시장 성장에 영향을 미치는 큰 문제입니다. 유럽위원회 공동연구센터가 보고했습니다. 벌꿀의 불순물을 포함한 식품 사기의 세계 경제적 영향은 연간 300억-400억 달러에 달할 것으로 추정됩니다.
기후 변화와 환경적 요인기후 패턴과 환경 조건의 변화는 벌꿀 생산에 도전을 가져옵니다. 유엔식량농업기구(FAO)는 기후 변화가 2050년까지 일부 지역의 작물 수확량을 최대 25%까지 감소시켜 꿀벌의 벌꿀 공급원에 영향을 미칠 수 있다고 지적하고 있습니다. 가뭄과 홍수 등 이상기후는 2000년 이후 46% 증가하여 꿀벌의 서식지와 벌꿀 생산에 영향을 미치고 있습니다.
주요 동향
유기농 벌꿀과 특수 벌꿀에 대한 수요 증가 소비자들이 유기농 벌꿀과 특수 벌꿀에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있습니다. 유기농무역협회에 따르면 미국 유기농 벌꿀의 매출은 2020년에 23% 증가하여 1억 3,500만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
전자상거래와 소비자 직접 유통 채널의 부상 온라인 플랫폼은 벌꿀 판매에 있어 점점 더 중요해지고 있습니다. 미국 벌꿀위원회의 보고서에 따르면, 미국 소비자의 25%가 2019년 15%에서 2021년에는 25%가 온라인으로 벌꿀을 구매할 것이라고 밝혔습니다. 미국 내 벌꿀의 전자상거래 판매는 2020년에 전년 대비 73% 증가하였습니다.
퍼스널케어 및 화장품에서 벌꿀의 사용 확대 벌꿀은 미용 및 퍼스널케어 아이템의 성분으로 인기를 끌고 있습니다.
Honey Market size was valued at USD 10.26 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 15.52 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.31% from 2026 to 2032.
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar. It is primarily made up of fructose, glucose, and water, with trace amounts of other sugars, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
The texture of honey is thick and viscous, and its color and flavor can vary depending on the floral source and processing techniques, ranging from light golden to dark amber.
Honey's antimicrobial properties stem from its low water content, acidic pH, and the presence of enzymes and other compounds, which make it resistant to bacteria and fungi. This unique combination of factors makes honey a natural preservative in certain applications.
Often used as a sweetener in foods and beverages, honey is also a popular flavoring agent in cooking and baking.
Beyond its culinary uses, honey is valued for potential health benefits, such as soothing sore throats, promoting wound healing, and serving as a natural remedy for coughs. However, due to its high sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation.
The key market dynamics that are shaping the global honey market include:
Growing Consumer Preference for Natural and Healthier Sweeteners: As consumers become more health-conscious, they are increasingly turning to natural sweeteners like honey. According to a 2022 report by the National Honey Board: 93% of consumers consider honey a natural sweetener. 71% of consumers agree that honey is better for you than sugar Honey consumption in the United States has increased by 36% over the past decade, reaching 618 million pounds in 2021
Expanding Applications in the Food and Beverage Industry Honey is finding increased use in various food and beverage products, driving market growth. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports Global honey production increased from 1.6 million tons in 2010 to 1.9 million tons in 2019. The food industry accounts for approximately 80% of honey consumption worldwide
Rising Awareness of Honey's Medicinal and Therapeutic Properties Honey's perceived health benefits are driving its adoption in both food and non-food applications. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2023 found that honey contains over 200 substances, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids. In a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK, 65% reported using honey for its perceived health benefits, such as soothing sore throats and boosting immunity
Key Challenges:
Declining Bee Populations and Colony Collapse Disorder The decreasing bee population is a significant threat to honey production. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beekeepers in the U.S. lost an estimated 45.5% of their managed honey bee colonies from April 2020 to April 2021. The number of honey-producing colonies in the U.S. decreased from 2.96 million in 2017 to 2.71 million in 2021
Adulteration and Quality Concerns Honey adulteration is a major issue affecting consumer trust and market growth. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre reported. The global economic impact of food fraud, including honey adulteration, is estimated to be USD 30-40 Billion annually
Climate Change and Environmental Factors Changing weather patterns and environmental conditions pose challenges to honey production. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that climate change could reduce crop yields by up to 25% in some regions by 2050, affecting nectar availability for bees. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have increased by 46% since 2000, impacting bee habitats and honey production
Key Trends:
Increasing Demand for Organic and Specialty Honey Varieties Consumers are showing a growing interest in organic and unique honey varieties. According to the Organic Trade Association: U.S. organic honey sales increased by 23% in 2020, reaching USD 135 Million
Rise of E-Commerce and Direct-To-Consumer Sales Channels Online platforms are becoming increasingly important for honey sales. A report by the National Honey Board reveals: that 25% of U.S. consumers purchased honey online in 2021, up from 15% in 2019. E-commerce sales of honey in the U.S. grew by 73% in 2020, compared to the previous year
Growing Use of Honey in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Honey is gaining popularity as an ingredient in beauty and personal care items.
Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global honey market:
Asia Pacific:
Asia Pacific substantially dominates the global honey market owing to the large-scale honey production and export.
The Asia Pacific region, particularly China, is a major producer and exporter of honey. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): China produced approximately 444,000 tons of honey in 2019, accounting for about 24% of global production
India, the second-largest producer in the region, contributed about 61,000 tons of honey in the same year. The Asia Pacific region as a whole accounted for over 45% of global honey production in 2019
Increasing awareness of honey's health benefits, coupled with its use in traditional medicine, is driving market growth.
A report by the Asian Development Bank states the traditional medicine market in China, where honey is a common ingredient, was valued at USD 50 Billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 120 Billion by 2025
In India, the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) sector, which often incorporates honey, grew by 17% between 2014 and 2020
Increasing disposable income in many Asian countries is leading to changes in dietary habits, including higher consumption of natural sweeteners like honey. The World Bank reports the GDP per capita in China increased from $4,550 in 2010 to $10,500 in 2020.
In India, GDP per capita rose from $1,358 in 2010 to $1,901 in 2020 A survey by Kerry Group in 2021 found that 75% of consumers in Asia Pacific are willing to pay a premium for food and beverages with natural ingredients, including honey
Europe:
Europe is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the global honey market during the forecast period driven by the strong consumer preference for natural and organic products.
European consumers show a growing preference for natural and organic foods, including honey. According to the European Commission, the EU organic market grew by 12% between 2016 and 2017, reaching €34.3 billion in value
In 2019, organic honey production in the EU increased by 6% compared to the previous year. A 2020 Eurobarometer survey found that 79% of EU citizens consider buying organic products important for environmental reasons
Europe's stringent food safety regulations and quality standards drive consumer trust and market growth. The European Commission reports in 2021, the EU implemented new rules requiring clearer labeling of the country of origin for honey blends
The EU's honey market is protected by quality schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), with 39 honey products registered under these schemes as of 2023
Honey's versatility is driving its adoption across multiple sectors in Europe. Eurostat and industry reports indicate the European food and beverage industry, a major user of honey, had a turnover of €1.2 trillion in 2020
The European natural cosmetics market, where honey is a popular ingredient, grew by 7% in 2020, reaching €3.9 billion in the pharmaceutical sector, the European market for cough, cold, and allergy remedies, which often contain honey, was valued at $11.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2025
The Global Honey Market is segmented based on Type, Processing, Application, And Geography.
Based on the Type, the Global Honey Market is bifurcated into Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Clover, Wildflower, Acacia. The buckwheat segment dominates the global honey market, particularly popular in Russia, China, and several European countries. Its high nutritional value, less sweet flavor, and abundant antioxidants contribute to its strong demand. Additionally, buckwheat honey is recognized for its various medicinal properties, leading to a notable increase in its use for cough syrup production.
Based on the Processing, the Global Honey Market is bifurcated into Conventional Honey and Organic Honey. The conventional honey segment dominates the global honey market. Conventional honey is produced through standard beekeeping practices, which may involve the use of synthetic pesticides and antibiotics for hive management. While organic honey is gaining traction due to its perceived health and environmental benefits, conventional honey continues to dominate the market due to its widespread availability and lower prices. Additionally, the introduction of new flavors and exotic add-ins in conventional honey products, driven by evolving consumer preferences, is expected to further enhance the appeal of the conventional segment.
Based on the Application, the Global Honey Market is bifurcated into Food & Drinks, Personal Care & Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals. The food & drink segment stands out as the leading category in the global honey market. Honey is extensively used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer in a wide range of food and beverage products, such as breakfast cereals, baked goods, salad dressings, and energy bars. Its versatility in culinary applications, coupled with its purported health benefits, has established honey as a staple in households and restaurants globally.
Based on Geography, the Global Honey Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia Pacific substantially dominates the global honey market owing to the large-scale honey production and export. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China, is a major producer and exporter of honey. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): China produced approximately 444,000 tons of honey in 2019, accounting for about 24% of global production. India, the second-largest producer in the region, contributed about 61,000 tons of honey in the same year. The Asia Pacific region as a whole accounted for over 45% of global honey production in 2019. Increasing awareness of honey's health benefits, coupled with its use in traditional medicine, is driving market growth.
The "Global Honey Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Dazhong Bee Industry Co., Ltd., Kangyuan Honey Co., Ltd., Mellit Holdings Ltd., The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Wedderspoon Honey Ltd., Comvita Ltd., Dutch Bee Company.
Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.