In 2025, Iran confirmed its status as one of the world's key honey producers, despite unfavorable climatic conditions. By the end of the year, the volume of production exceeded 127 thousand tons, which is 0.12 percent more than in the previous year. The increase was recorded against the background of drought in most regions of the country and a shortage of pollen, which makes the result especially significant for the agricultural sector.
Mohammad Ibrahim Hassan-Nejad, Iran's Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Livestock, attributes the positive dynamics to qualitative changes in the industry. According to him, the key role was played by improving the professional level of beekeepers and more efficient apiary management.
"The increase in production was made possible by the increase in the qualifications of beekeepers and the improvement of the organization of work in apiaries," said Hassan—Nejad, commenting on the results of the year.
On average, one bee family in the country produces about 12.7 kilograms of honey per year. According to the autumn census, there are 10.2 million bee colonies in Iran, located in 86,000 apiaries. The industry employs more than 85,000 individual beekeepers, which makes beekeeping a significant source of employment in rural areas.
Iran is consistently among the top five global honey producers. This position is ensured by a combination of diverse climatic zones and rich flora, which allows for the production of unique and highly valuable varieties. A special place is occupied by cider honey, which is considered one of the most expensive and rare on the international market.
In addition to the main product, the country is actively developing the production of related products with high added value. In 2025, 9 tons of royal jelly, 801 tons of bee pollen, more than 227 tons of propolis, 2378 tons of wax, 6.68 kilograms of bee venom and 9 tons of bee bread were produced. Government support programs encourage beekeepers to expand these areas as more marginal and export-oriented.
Exports remain an essential element of the industry. A significant part of Iranian honey is exported abroad. The main sales markets are neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, as well as European and Asian countries. In total, the products of Iranian beekeepers are exported to more than 40 countries around the world.
For Iran's foreign trade, honey is becoming not only an agricultural commodity, but also a tool to strengthen its position in niche food markets, where environmental friendliness, unique origin and supply stability are valued.
