Overall, the U.S. honey industry is dealing with declining bee colonies, increasing production costs, and rising prices. These factors have combined to create a number of issues which have directly impacted the shopping habits of the U.S. honey producer.

The U.S. currently consumes more than double the amount of honey that it produces. Imports currently supply 60-70% of honey consumed in the U.S. market. The U.S. accounts for almost 80% of Canada's total natural honey exports. Canada's natural honey exports to the U.S. were valued at $54.9 million in 2008, an increase of 69.4% from 2007.

Honey from China has been flooding the U.S. market in recent years. China is one of the few markets not experiencing a substantial shortage, and Chinese products have proven very capable of meeting the demands of a number of key markets.

The superior quality and taste of Canadian honey is internationally recognized, and can be a key driver for successfully entering, expanding, and promoting Canadian honey products in foreign markets. Brazil is a central supplier for organic honey, with Argentina another notable source. However, organic honey produced by these countries is a dark honey, and an opportunity exists for Canadian exporters that can provide organic white honey to the supply strained U.S. market. 

The U.S. Honey Market: Opportunities for Canadian Honey Exporters. April 2009
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