Honey consumption is growing, Italian beekeeping doubles

July 2025

 Honey consumption in Italy is growing at a steady pace, boosting national production and promoting the excellence of the territory. A sector that, at SANA Food, among the latest trends and evolving tastes, will be the subject of a special focus.

In recent years, honey has become increasingly popular in Italy, with consumption of this healthful and natural product steadily rising. Demand is so strong that it has become necessary to import honey from abroad: in 2022, Italy purchased approximately 26,500 tones from other countries.

Domestic honey production averages 20,000 tones per year, with a total value of around 150 million euros and increasingly professional management, with almost 80% of hives managed by expert operators. From north to south, there is a wide variety of honeys linked to different territories, confirming the richness and diversity of Italy's beekeeping heritage.

At the same time, the Italian business sector linked to beekeeping is growing. Since 2016, when the obligation to register beehives in the national beekeeping register came into force, the number of beekeepers has increased by 82% and the number of beehives by 39%. At the end of 2023, there were 75,000 beekeepers (of which over 20,000 were represented by companies with VAT numbers) and more than 1.5 million hives, placing Italy in sixth place in Europe.

While Veneto and Lombardy stand out for their number of beekeepers, Piedmont leads the way in terms of the number of hives (over 200,000), and the sector is growing rapidly in Puglia, Marche, Umbria and Trentino. Despite the difficulties associated with climate change, Italian beekeeping continues to develop, supported by demand from consumers who are increasingly attentive to the quality and origin of honey.

Honey will have its own dedicated space within SANA Food, with a thematic focus designed to promote this product of excellence. Through targeted itineraries and presentations, visitors will be able to discover the quality and variety of honey produced in our country.

Sources: Osservatorio Nazionale Miele, CREA Report ‘Bees and Honey: opportunities, potential and threats for an essential supply chain’ (September 2024) and ISMEA Report ‘Recent trends and dynamics in honey’ (July 2024)