Australian Honey Situation 2025

Opportunities and challenges in moving the industry forward

Pro bono research on the Australian Honey Situation 2025

After completing “After the Gold Rush”, on teh Nwe Zealadn Honey industry we realised a similar piece of work was needed on the Australian industry. Their industry is changing and under significant pressure and we decided a public-facing analysis was required as well.

Despite this biological advantage, Australia has yet to fully capitalise on the potential of the honey sector.

To unlock the full export potential of the high activity segment, Australia must address several challenges simultaneously: improve sector- level marketing, develop labelling and traceability protocols, and continue to support scientific validation of species specific bioactivity. At the same time, there is an opportunity to elevate active honey species as a distinct and credible alternative to manuka.

Looking ahead, Australia must confront several imperatives. Domestically, the sector must manage commercial beekeeper consolidation, biosecurity threats such as Varroa mite, and rising cost pressures. A renewed focus on professionalisation, national data standards, and investment in yield optimisation will be essential. Internationally, success will depend on brand trust, traceability, and sustained scientific validation of bioactivity.