The Ukrainian honey market in 2026 enters a phase of price fluctuations and temporary shortages of products, which is already affecting export indicators. According to market participants, supplies abroad may decrease, while domestic purchase and export prices are showing rapid growth.

This was stated by Semen Gagarin, CEO of Beehive, one of the largest Ukrainian honey exporters. According to him, the situation on the market remains unstable due to a shortage of products before the new collection season.

One of the key factors was a sharp increase in purchase prices for beekeepers. At the beginning of the season, honey was purchased at 65–70 UAH/kg, while now the price has risen to approximately 130 UAH/kg, that is, more than doubled. In parallel, the export value has also increased: from 1.90 EUR/kg to almost 3.20 EUR/kg for deliveries to EU countries.

Despite the current difficulties, the overall forecast for the honey harvest in Ukraine for 2026 remains relatively positive. Production is expected to be at the level of 60-80 thousand tons, which corresponds to the indicators of 2023-2024. At the same time, the industry remains dependent on weather conditions, and the final result will be determined by the course of key honey harvesting periods.

The temporary shortage of products until the new harvest, which is expected approximately in August 2026, is already leading to a reduction in export supplies, primarily to the European Union market. This simultaneously pushes up prices and limits the volume of products available for external markets.

According to Gagarin, in 2025, honey exports amounted to about 50 thousand tons. In 2026, this figure is expected to decrease by 10-20% - to 40-45 thousand tons. He also noted that the situation may stabilize with the start of the new season in August-September.

Separately, the expert paid attention to sales markets. The main destination for Ukrainian honey remains the EU, which accounts for 90-95% of exports. According to his assessment, this structure will not change significantly in the future, although companies are gradually working to diversify the geography of supplies.

At the same time, there are risks of losing part of Ukraine's positions on the world market. Due to the shortage of honey, importers in the EU and the USA are increasingly reorienting themselves to supplies from China, India and Argentina. Business cannot wait long for Ukrainian volumes and is forced to look for alternative sources.

Despite this, Ukraine remains one of the key players in the global honey market. According to industry representatives, after the resumption of production, the country has the potential to regain and even strengthen its positions.

For context: in 2024, Ukraine exported 85.8 thousand tons of honey — a record figure since independence, 55% more than in 2023. Export revenue then also reached a historical maximum — $167 million, which is 38% higher than the previous year.