Oman honey output nears one million kilogrammes

MUSCAT: Honey production in the Sultanate of Oman climbed to a record 934,443 kilogrammes in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of the country's beekeeping sector even as imports of natural honey exceeded RO 2.1 million, according to official data.
Figures released on Tuesday showed local honey production increased by more than 49 per cent over the past three years, rising from 623,313kg in 2023 to 765,054kg in 2024, before reaching 934,443kg last year.
North Al Sharqiyah emerged as the country's largest honey-producing governorate in 2025, accounting for 248,547kg, followed by Al Dakhiliyah with 176,428kg, North Al Batinah with 158,097kg, and South Al Sharqiyah with 128,120kg. Al Dhahirah produced 97,818kg, while Dhofar contributed 64,216kg, with the remainder coming from other governorates across the Sultanate.
The data highlights the growing importance of beekeeping as an agricultural activity supporting rural livelihoods and local food production.
Oman's production infrastructure comprised 47 establishments engaged in beekeeping and the production of honey and beeswax, alongside two facilities manufacturing molasses and sugar syrup. The country also maintained 12 beekeeping units and two research units between 2023 and 2025, reflecting stable research and development capacity for the sector.
Despite the increase in domestic production, Oman continued to rely on imports to meet demand. Imports of filtered natural honey were valued at RO 2.13 million, with China remaining the largest supplier at RO 541,881, followed by India at RO 417,333, Saudi Arabia at RO 406,940, Australia at RO 234,102, and the United Arab Emirates at RO 229,355.
Imports of natural honey, including honeycomb, totalled RO 42,941, led by Turkey and Australia, while imports of wooden beehives reached RO 15,629, with Egypt accounting for the largest share.
Meanwhile, Oman's exports of refined natural honey were valued at RO 648,274. Lebanon was the largest export market, importing RO 246,272 worth of Omani honey, followed by Qatar at RO 179,024, Jordan at RO 118,018, Kuwait at RO 55,247, and the United Arab Emirates at RO 36,406.
Oman also exported honeycomb products to the UAE and re-exported filtered natural honey to Somalia, the UAE and Qatar, reflecting the growing regional market for Omani honey products. — ONA