Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities.
France Honey Production was 20.03 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 16.6% on 2023. France’s honey production experienced noticeable fluctuations between 2015 and 2024, reflecting variations in climatic conditions, flowering patterns, bee colony health, and developments within the country’s beekeeping sector. Honey production stood at approximately 15.96 thousand tonnes in 2015, followed by a decline to 11.23 thousand tonnes in 2016.
France Honey Production moved from 15.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 20.03 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+25.5%), an average of +2.6% a year. The series high was 24.02 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 11.23 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2016) is 12.79 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +50.7% in 2020.
Among the 27 countries in this dataset, France ranks 16 for 2024, behind China (444.8 Thousand Tonnes) and India (146 Thousand Tonnes). It accounts for 1% of the global total in 2024.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20.03 | −16.6% |
| 2023Peak | 24.02 | +20% |
| 2022 | 20.02 | +33.8% |
| 2021 | 14.96 | −37% |
| 2020 | 23.74 | +50.7% |
| 2019 | 15.76 | −19.1% |
| 2018 | 19.47 | +34.8% |
| 2017 | 14.45 | +28.6% |
| 2016 Trough | 11.23 | −29.6% |
| 2015 | 15.96 | — |
Regional context
Honey Production by country, 2024, Thousand Tonnes. France is highlighted.
Data definition
Honey Production — Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
Honey production includes the total quantity of natural honey obtained from commercial, small-scale, and traditional beekeeping operations. It covers honey harvested from different floral sources and produced through managed honeybee colonies, including output intended for food consumption, industrial use, and commercial markets. The indicator accounts for annual production volumes reported in tonnes or thousand tonnes, reflecting the overall performance of the honey-producing sector within a country or region.
Honey production excludes processed or value-added honey products such as flavored honey, blended honey products, and honey-based food items, as the indicator measures only raw honey output. It does not include honey imports, exports, consumption, retail sales, or market value. Other beekeeping products such as beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are excluded, along with artificial honey substitutes and production losses occurring during processing, storage, or transportation.
Honey Production — Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
Production gradually recovered in subsequent years, reaching 19.47 thousand tonnes in 2018, before experiencing further fluctuations throughout the period. The highest production level during the decade was recorded in 2023 at approximately 24.02 thousand tonnes, while output slightly declined to 20.03 thousand tonnes in 2024, indicating continued strength in France’s honey production capacity.
The overall trend highlights France’s significant and well-established apiculture industry, supported by a diverse range of floral resources, traditional beekeeping practices, and growing demand for locally produced natural honey. Honey production in France is influenced by regional agricultural landscapes, availability of nectar-producing plants, and seasonal weather conditions that directly affect bee activity and harvesting outcomes. The variations observed during the period demonstrate the dependence of honey production on environmental factors, including temperature changes, rainfall patterns, and challenges affecting pollinator populations.
France’s honey industry includes production from commercial, professional, and small-scale beekeepers operating across various regions. Beyond its economic contribution, the sector plays an important role in supporting biodiversity and agricultural productivity through essential pollination services. Although production levels have varied year to year, France has maintained a stable position within the European honey market due to its strong beekeeping traditions, diverse honey varieties, and continuous adaptation to industry challenges. Overall, France’s honey production from 2015 to 2024 reflects a dynamic apiculture sector with recovery periods, production variability, and long-term importance within the agricultural economy.
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Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
France Honey Production was 20.03 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 16.6% on 2023.
France Honey Production moved from 15.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 20.03 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+25.5%), an average of +2.6% a year. The series high was 24.02 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 11.23 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
The highest value was 24.02 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 11.23 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
Included: Honey production includes the total quantity of natural honey obtained from commercial, small-scale, and traditional beekeeping operations. It covers honey harvested from different floral sources and produced through managed honeybee colonies, including output intended for food consumption, industrial use, and commercial markets. The indicator accounts for annual production volumes reported in tonnes or thousand tonnes, reflecting the overall performance of the honey-producing sector within a country or region. Excluded: Honey production excludes processed or value-added honey products such as flavored honey, blended honey products, and honey-based food items, as the indicator measures only raw honey output. It does not include honey imports, exports, consumption, retail sales, or market value. Other beekeeping products such as beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are excluded, along with artificial honey substitutes and production losses occurring during processing, storage, or transportation.
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?pickerSort=asc&pickerMetric=entityName&Food=Honey&Metric=Production&Per+capita=false&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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