The growing trend towards the consumption of natural and organic foods is opening new opportunities for products such as honey. This change in consumer habits is not only driving the global honey market, but also presents a significant opportunity for producers in the department of Córdoba.
In 2022, the global honey market was valued at 9.79 billion dollars. According to data from Trade Map, In 2023, global honey imports reached $2.2 billion with a production of 700,148 tons. The United States, Germany, Japan, France and the United Kingdom are the main importers. In this context, Europe stands out as the largest market for organic products, importing almost 50% of the world’s honey, valued at 1,068 million dollars.
The center of Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries in Europe (CBI) has pointed out the great potential of the European market for honey, especially organic honey, which has gone from being a niche to dominating the trade in supermarkets, hypermarkets and discount stores. This growing demand makes the entry of new players especially attractive, as long as they offer differentiated products, either by type of honey or by certifications such as EU Organic and Fair Trade.
The Beekeeping in Cordoba presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on this growing market. “Córdoba is a strategic territory for developing beekeeping due to its rich biodiversity and favorable climate conditions. When thinking about the economic development of the region, it is essential to do so under an umbrella of sustainability and generation of shared value, where environmental solutions are sustainable over time. This not only guarantees the protection of our natural resources, but also promotes inclusive economic growth that benefits all parties involved: companies, communities and consumers,” said Angelica Benedetti Chica, executive director of ProMontería.
In 2021, Colombia produced 4,650 tons of honey with a total of 140,335 hivesaccording to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture. By 2023, national production amounted to 6,800 tons. In Córdoba, the The beekeeping chain has 9,543 hives and a production of 300 tons, involving 579 families. Production is divided into 45% independent producers, 24% organized as a business and 31% as an association. In addition to honey, secondary products include biological material, wax and propolis.
The Sustainability and biodiversity are crucial aspects in beekeeping. Bees are not only essential for honey production, but also for the pollination of many agricultural crops, making them a vital pillar for biodiversity and global food production. Promoting sustainable beekeeping practices in Córdoba will help maintain healthy bee populations, guaranteeing the pollination of crops and the health of ecosystems.
In summary, beekeeping in Córdoba not only offers economic and social benefits, but also plays a fundamental role in environmental sustainability. With a growing global market and increasing demand for organic products, Honey producers in Córdoba have an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the sector, contribute to biodiversity and support the sustainable economic development of the region.
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