Rising to a series high
UK Honey Production moved from 9.18 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+9.9%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the low 8.86 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
What UK Honey Production shows
UK Honey Production was 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 2.2% on 2023. The United Kingdom honey production industry showed gradual improvement between 2015 and 2024, despite fluctuations caused by weather conditions, environmental changes, and variations in beekeeping productivity. Honey production started at approximately 9.18 thousand tonnes in 2015 and declined slightly to 8.86 thousand tonnes in 2016 before recovering gradually in subsequent years.
A 12.2% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2016) is 1.23 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −3.5% in 2016.
Ranks 20 of 27 countries covered
Among the 27 countries in this dataset, UK ranks 20 for 2024, behind China (444.8 Thousand Tonnes) and India (146 Thousand Tonnes). It accounts for 0.5% of the global total in 2024.
Full series
UK Honey Production by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 10.09 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | 9.87 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | 9.64 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | 9.42 | +2.7% |
| 2020 | 9.17 | −1.7% |
| 2019 | 9.33 | +2.9% |
| 2018 | 9.07 | +1% |
| 2017 | 8.98 | +1.3% |
| 2016 Trough | 8.86 | −3.5% |
| 2015 | 9.18 | — |
Regional context
How UK compares in North America
Honey Production by country, 2024, Thousand Tonnes. UK is highlighted.
1U.S.60.96
2Mexico57.43
3Canada35.46
4UK10.09
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
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.
About this indicator
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.
From 2017 onward, UK honey production demonstrated a steady upward trend, increasing from 8.98 thousand tonnes in 2017 to 9.33 thousand tonnes in 2019. Production remained relatively stable during 2020 at 9.17 thousand tonnes, reflecting consistent performance despite challenges affecting agricultural and environmental conditions.
Between 2021 and 2024, the industry experienced continuous growth, with production rising from 9.42 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 10.09 thousand tonnes in 2024, marking the highest production level during the analyzed period. This positive trend indicates improvements in colony management, beekeeper participation, and favorable conditions supporting honey harvesting activities.
The UK honey industry is characterized by a strong network of small-scale and commercial beekeepers, with honey production contributing to local agricultural systems and biodiversity conservation through pollination services. However, the sector continues to face challenges including climate variability, habitat loss, and risks to honeybee populations.
Overall, United Kingdom honey production between 2015 and 2024 reflects a stable and gradually expanding industry. The consistent increase in output highlights improved production efficiency and growing interest in beekeeping activities. Future growth will depend on maintaining healthy bee populations, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, and improving resilience against environmental challenges. Additionally, awareness programs, conservation initiatives, and government support for pollinator protection will remain important factors in sustaining the UK honey sector.
- Indicator
- Honey Production
- Country
- UK
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Thousand Tonnes
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is UK 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.
What was UK Honey Production in 2024?
UK Honey Production was 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 2.2% on 2023.
How has UK Honey Production changed between 2015 and 2024?
UK Honey Production moved from 9.18 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+9.9%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the low 8.86 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
Which year had the highest and lowest UK Honey Production?
The highest value was 10.09 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the lowest was 8.86 Thousand Tonnes in 2016.
What does the UK Honey Production data include and exclude?
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.
Where does the UK Honey Production data come from?
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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