There is a forecast for the growth of honey production and exports in Russia, with Bashkortostan leading in production.

According to analysts from Rosselkhozbank, honey production in Russia is expected to reach 64,000 tons by 2024. This corresponds to the level of the previous year when 64,500 tons of this product were harvested.

At the same time, specialists predict an increase in honey consumption in the country. Currently, Russians consume about 0.5 kg of honey per year. Experts from Rosselkhozbank expect honey consumption to increase by 3-5% annually.

An increase in honey exports is also expected, starting as early as this year. The honey shipments to foreign markets will exceed 5,000 tons. China is the largest importer of Russian honey, accounting for 23% in 2023.

Currently, more than 94% of bee colonies in Russia are located in personal subsidiary farms. Bank experts note that beekeeping is a profitable business for these farms. With the right approach, it becomes profitable already in the first or second season, with profitability reaching 30%.

Bashkortostan leads in honey production volume among Russian regions, accounting for almost 10% of the total production volume in the country - 5,900 tons. Altai Krai produces 4,800 tons, Voronezh Oblast - 3,900 tons, Tatarstan - 3,700 tons. Krasnodar Krai closes the top 5 leading regions in terms of production volume with 3,300 tons.