Leslie Massey
Australia has a thriving honey industry, with approximately 37,000 tonnes of honey produced by 1,800 highly skilled commercial beekeepers in 2021. The country's diverse flora, including 900 eucalypt species, contributes to its unique and well-known honey. While Australia's honey production accounts for only a small portion of the international market, it is highly regarded, with exports increasing by 18% in 2021-22. The United States is the largest market for Australian honey, followed by China, Canada, and Japan. Australia's honey industry faces challenges such as the recent Varroa mite incursion in NSW, impacting hive management and honey production. However, the country is committed to sustainable apiculture and preserving the integrity of its renowned honey.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's honey production
Australia produces some of the most sought-after honey in the world, despite only accounting for a small portion of the international market. Australian honey is renowned for its quality and unique flavour, and the country's warm climate and floral diversity create the perfect environment for healthy bees.
In 2021, Australia was found to have 1,800 highly skilled commercial beekeepers, producing approximately 37,000 tonnes of honey. This figure is expected to increase as the industry recovers from the impacts of drought and bushfires on floral resources and beekeeper infrastructure. The value of honey and beeswax production in 2021-22 was estimated at $58 million, a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
The majority of Australian honey is produced from native floral sources, with the most well-known varieties derived from one or more of the 900 eucalypt species found in the country. Australia's unique floral diversity, including its abundance of eucalypt species, gives Australian honey its distinctive flavour and reputation.
In addition to native floral sources, Australian honey is also produced from non-native floral sources. This includes the production of Manuka honey, which is made from Leptospermum (Manuka) varieties. Manuka honey is highly valued for its potent activity and rich, smooth, caramel taste.
Australian honey is in high demand internationally, with exports increasing by 18% in value terms nationally between 2020-21 and 2021-22. The United States is the major market for Australian honey exports, with demand in the US reaching a record level in 2021. Australian honey is also exported to other markets, including China, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand, with significant year-on-year growth in these markets.
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NSW's honey exports
NSW honey exports are a significant contributor to the national honey industry in Australia. In 2021-22, NSW honey exports accounted for 21% of national exports, valued at $13.5 million. The United States was the primary market for NSW honey, representing 58% of exports from the state. This demand in the US is coupled with a decrease in their domestic honey production due to drought.
The large number of hives in NSW contributes to its significant share of honey exports. In July 2022, there were approximately 307,000 commercial hives in the state, managed by 2,700 registered commercial beekeepers, including interstate beekeepers registered in NSW. Additionally, there were 20,550 recreational beekeepers registered in NSW, responsible for an extra 67,000 hives. NSW's share of national honey production is notable, with an estimated 44% of Australia's honeybee hives based in the state in 2019.
The value of honey and beeswax production in NSW is estimated to be substantial. In 2021-22, the industry was valued at $58.0 million, reflecting a 3.9% increase from the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, recovering from the impacts of extended drought and bushfires on floral resources and beekeeper infrastructure.
However, a recent challenge for NSW's honey industry is the Varroa mite incursion. This biosecurity threat was detected in surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022. The Varroa mite is considered the most serious pest for honey bees worldwide, and its presence has significant implications for hive management and honey production. Efforts are being made to contain and eradicate the disease, including setting up biosecurity zones and euthanising infected hives.
The export of honey from NSW and Australia involves adhering to specific requirements and specifications of the importing countries. These requirements vary across nations, and failure to meet them can result in significant consequences, as seen in the strict biosecurity rules enforced by China.
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Australia's honey imports
Historically, Australia did not import honey until the severe drought of 2004, which triggered shortages. This led to the introduction of overseas honey, despite the known risks of fake honey. The issue of adulteration is significant, with imported products labelled as "honey" potentially being honey substitutes made from rice, corn, or beet syrup. These substitutes are often mixed with real honey to increase volume and reduce costs. The price differential between imported and local honey is considerable, with imported honey from China costing around $2.40 per kilo, while Australian beekeepers receive between $5 and $10 per kg for their product.
The inadequate testing methods for detecting adulterated honey have exacerbated the problem. The Customs Department's reliance on the C4 test, which is easily fooled, has allowed sellers of fake honey to enter the Australian market. This situation has led to a crisis of confidence in the local honey industry, with consumers potentially losing trust in the authenticity of Australian honey.
In the 2021-22 fiscal year, the total value of honey and beeswax imports into Australia increased by 23% compared to the previous year, reaching $60.1 million. New Zealand was the major source by value, contributing $31.8 million. However, by volume, China, New Zealand, Brazil, and Malaysia collectively accounted for 85% of imports, with China alone representing 44% of total import volumes at 4,190 tonnes.
The impact of honey imports on the local industry is evident. Between 2005 and 2015, Australian beehive and beekeeper numbers declined by 25%. This decrease in beekeepers is attributed to the economic challenges posed by the influx of cheaper imported honey. Additionally, imported honey can carry different strains of diseases that threaten not only Australian honeybees but also over 1500 indigenous bee species.
The situation has prompted petitions calling for the banning or mandatory labelling of imported honey with the country of origin. These petitions have gained significant support, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issues surrounding Australia's honey imports.
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NSW's biosecurity challenge
The presence of the Varroa mite has substantial implications for hive management and honey production in NSW. In response to the incursion, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) swiftly implemented an eradication plan, establishing biosecurity zones, containing infected hives, and euthanising bees. This included transitioning the yellow zone, with over 3,700 registered beekeepers, into the blue general emergency zone, providing more flexibility in movement.
The eradication efforts have achieved significant outcomes, despite the industry's challenges. However, the mite's impact on hive management and honey output cannot be understated. Beekeepers in NSW have been managing approximately 307,000 commercial hives, with an additional 67,000 hives attributed to recreational beekeeping. This accounts for an estimated 44% of Australia's honeybee hives in 2019, with NSW honey exports valued at $13.5 million in 2021-22.
The challenge for the industry lies in balancing the eradication program with maintaining honey production levels. The mite incursion affects the ability of beekeepers to optimize honey production, potentially leading to near-term production disruptions. The ongoing response by the NSW DPI aims to address this complex situation and mitigate the impact on the state's honey industry.
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Australia's honey taste and potency
Australia has a rich variety of native honeys, with over 700 native flowering plants on which bees can forage and produce honey. These include eucalyptus, banksias, and rainforest species. The honey produced from these sources is described as bold, robust, and complex, with a unique taste that makes other honeys from around the world seem bland in comparison.
The taste and quality of honey depend on the floral sources and the geographical location where it is produced. For example, blue gum trees in South Australia produce a darker and denser honey, while those in areas with higher rainfall to the east of the border produce a lighter, more delicate honey. Spotted gum, native to coastal New South Wales, produces honey with a strong caramel note and a savoury finish due to its richness in amino acids.
Australian honey is also known for its health and medicinal benefits. For example, honey produced from native Australian bees, such as the Leatherwood honey from Tasmania, is known for its aromatic fragrance and ability to add flavour to baked goods and sweet dishes. Honey from Western Australia, such as the Jarrah and Marri varieties, is valued for its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its low GI content.
The beekeeping and honey industry in Australia is facing various challenges, including the recent Varroa mite incursion in New South Wales, which poses a significant biosecurity threat. Additionally, Australian beekeepers often struggle to earn a fair price for their honey domestically, with native bush honey sometimes selling for as low as $10 per kilogram. However, the same honey can fetch prices ranging from $30 to $40 per kilogram in international markets like Europe, America, and China, where the unique flavour and clean, green nature of Australian honey are appreciated.
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Frequently asked questions
Honey is made in various regions across Australia, with New South Wales (NSW) being the largest contributor, accounting for an estimated 44% of the country's honey production in 2019.
Some popular brands of Australian honey include Capilano Honey, Beechworth Honey, and Beerenberg Farm.
Australian honey is produced from a wide range of native and non-native floral sources. The most well-known honeys come from the country's 900 eucalypt species. Australia also produces highly-prized Manuka honey from Leptospermum plants.
