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URUGUAY - honey country details 禄

Total Honey Production in Uruguay

Uruguay produces an average of 7,900 tons of honey annually (as of 2022). Over the years, production levels have fluctuated due to environmental factors, particularly droughts that have affected floral availability for bees. Historically, the country reached a production peak of 15,500 tons in 2007. Despite recent declines, beekeeping remains a key agricultural activity in Uruguay.


Types of Honey Produced in Uruguay

Uruguay is known for producing multifloral honey, with a range of flavors influenced by the country鈥檚 diverse flora. Key varieties include:

  • Eucalyptus Honey: One of the most common types due to the extensive eucalyptus plantations. It has a fresh, slightly medicinal taste.
  • Native Flora Honey: Uruguay鈥檚 diverse ecosystem, particularly its grasslands, contributes to honey produced from wildflowers and other native plants.
  • Organic Honey: There has been growing interest in organic honey production, which is increasingly sought after in international markets.

Uruguay produces both monofloral and multifloral honey, though multifloral is the most commonly produced and exported.


Honey Formats in Uruguay

Uruguayan honey is marketed in various formats to cater to both domestic and international markets:

  • Bulk Honey: The majority of Uruguay鈥檚 honey is exported in bulk, particularly to the U.S. and European markets.
  • Glass and Plastic Jars: While bulk is the dominant format, Uruguay also exports honey in smaller retail-friendly formats, usually in 500g to 1kg jars.
  • Industrial Barrels: Large barrels, typically around 300 kg, are used for wholesale and the Horeca sector (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering).

Honey Export from Uruguay

Uruguay is a major exporter of honey, with 90% of its production destined for foreign markets. In 2022, honey exports were valued at 36.6 million dollars, placing Uruguay among the top 20 honey exporters worldwide. Key export destinations include:

  • United States: The largest market for Uruguayan honey, accounting for 30.1 million dollars of exports.
  • Spain: Imported 2.13 million dollars of honey from Uruguay.
  • Germany: Imported 1.63 million dollars of honey.

Other important markets include Denmark and Czechia. Uruguay is known for exporting both bulk honey and, increasingly, organic honey.


Special Characteristics of Uruguayan Honey

Uruguayan honey is highly valued for its purity and quality, with a strong focus on sustainable beekeeping practices. Many beekeepers in Uruguay produce organic honey, which is free from contaminants and highly sought after in international markets. The country鈥檚 natural environment, free from industrial pollutants, contributes to the clean and natural reputation of Uruguayan honey.


Challenges Facing the Uruguayan Apiculture Sector

The honey industry in Uruguay faces several challenges, including:

  • Climate Change: Droughts and changing weather patterns have negatively impacted honey production in recent years, reducing the number of flowers available for bees.
  • Market Competition: Uruguay must compete with lower-cost honey from countries like China, which can exert downward pressure on prices for local producers.

Conclusion

Uruguay is a key player in the global honey market, particularly in the export of organic and bulk honey. The country鈥檚 focus on high-quality, sustainably produced honey has enabled it to establish strong export relationships, especially with the United States and Europe. Despite challenges such as climate variability and global competition, Uruguay鈥檚 honey sector continues to thrive and adapt to the growing demand for organic products.

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