The natural honey-producing population in South Africa has shown a steady increase over the past decade, starting from 68,000 beehives in 2013 to 77,440 beehives by 2023. The year-on-year variation indicates consistent growth, albeit with smaller percentages in recent years: 1.08% in 2023 compared to 1.15% in 2021. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) also reflects a gradual but steady rise, with 1.17% for the last five years.
This trend suggests an expanding effort and interest in honey production. Forecasts for the next five years point towards a slower CAGR of 0.78% with a total growth rate of 3.95% by 2028, reflecting a continuing but decelerating upward trajectory.
Future trends to watch for:
• Adoption of advanced beekeeping technologies.
• Impact of climate change on bee populations and honey yield.
• Government policies and subsidies for expanding apiculture.
• Potential market saturation and shifts in consumer demand.
