Honey production is up, but prices are rising: How much will Ukrainians pay for honey in 2026?

19 August 19:48

ANALYSIS

Ukrainian beekeepers are wrapping up the honey season. Despite a difficult winter and a cool, rainy spring, domestic beekeepers will fully meet the domestic market’s demand and maintain their export potential. Serhiy Grynyov, president of the Ukrainian Beekeepers’ Union, spoke about this on Beekeeper’s Day in Ukraine "Komersant Ukrainian".

The 2026 Honey Season

“I want to say that, first of all, this season is much better than last year’s, even though it hasn’t been as productive. But overall, Ukraine has plenty of honey. We, as beekeepers, are capable of supplying the domestic market with natural honey and other bee products,” says Serhiy Grynyov.

Beekeepers cite weather conditions as one of the main factors affecting the honey season’s yield. This year’s winter was significantly colder, and spring was cool and rainy. It was the inclement spring weather that somewhat reduced the honey harvest from rapeseed and, later, from acacia.

How much will honey cost in Ukraine in 2026?

According to Serhiy Grynyov, honey prices have already risen on the domestic market. Currently, one liter of honey costs approximately 250 to 700 hryvnias, depending on the type.

At the same time, Serhiy Grynyov believes that honey prices will not rise further in 2026, as they are already determined by market forces.

For example, the highest prices may be for monofloral varieties, such as acacia honey, which is prized by consumers for its health benefits. However, this type of honey is more difficult to produce. It requires favorable weather conditions during the flowering period of the relevant plant.

“These honeys are very difficult to produce. Unfortunately, weather conditions were not favorable, but beekeepers still managed to harvest this honey and are ready to sell it at this price. And the market is responding positively. People understand why the price has gone up, and beekeepers are trying to explain it. In other words, there is supply, and there is demand,” notes the president of the Ukrainian Beekeepers’ Union.

Why Honey Has Become More Expensive

The main reason for the price increase is the rise in production costs.

According to the president of the Ukrainian Beekeepers’ Association, difficult conditions have limited the opportunities for moving apiaries. At the same time, moving the apiaries has become more expensive due to the rising cost of fuel and lubricants. The rising cost of gasoline and diesel fuel also affects the cost of producing honey.

Another factor is the beekeeper’s labor. Grynyov emphasizes that work at the apiary does not end with the summer honey harvest. Beekeepers work year-round, preparing bee colonies and equipment for the next season.

Ukrainian Honey Exports in 2026

“I think we’ll also be able to export at least as much as last year—somewhere around 50,000 metric tons. I believe this is a realistic goal,” notes Serhiy Grynyov.

Price remains one of the main issues for the industry. According to the president of the Ukrainian Beekeepers’ Association, beekeepers expect a price of no less than $2 per kilogram on the export market. This, he says, is roughly the break-even point for an apiary and the production cost of one kilogram of honey.

If exporters offer this price, producers will be ready to sell large volumes of product. At the same time, beekeepers are not willing to sell honey for less than the cost of production.

“If the price is acceptable to beekeepers, they will be ready to sell large volumes for export. If offers are lower, then, of course, the beekeepers’ reaction will be accordingly. That is, they are not willing to sell at a loss,” Grinyov noted.

He also urged exporters to seek foreign markets where Ukrainian honey can be sold at a price that ensures profitability for producers.

Which Countries Consume the Most Ukrainian Honey

According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, in the first seven months of 2026, honey exports already totaled 18.87 thousand metric tons with a total value of 65.79 thousand dollars.