Poland may increase honey imports amid shortage of domestic supply

Poland is facing a shortage of domestic honey following a weak 2026 season. Processors and purchasing companies report limited availability of raw material, although just a few months ago beekeepers were struggling to sell their product.

The poor harvest was mainly caused by spring frosts, summer heat, winter bee colony losses and varroa mite infestations. Many regions are facing particularly tight supplies of varietal honey, including acacia and linden honey.

The shortage of domestic supply could increase Poland’s reliance on imports. In January–October 2025, the country imported more than 22.3 thsd tons of honey, while exports amounted to 8.8 thsd tons.

The situation is also being aggravated by a shrinking production base. In 2025, the number of bee colonies in Poland fell to around 2.4 mln, while the number of beekeepers declined to 96.6 thsd, marking the first decrease in many years.

Industry representatives note that higher purchase prices alone will not solve the problem because there is simply not enough honey available. With domestic production weak, imported honey could play a larger role in the Polish market.

Tags: Poland, imports, honey