Top 10 Honey Suppliers in Portugal in July 2025: Navigating a Sweet but Shifting Market

Introduction – Current State of Play: The Honey Sector in Portugal

The honey industry in Portugal is at a fascinating turning point as of July 2025. It’s not just about sweet jars on supermarket shelves anymore — it’s about navigating global trade dynamics, climate change, and policy reforms. There’s a tangible buzz in the air, and it’s not just from the bees.

Earlier this year, Spain shattered records by importing over 13,000 tons of low-cost honey, much of it routed through Portugal. This cements Portugal’s role as a vital gateway in European honey trade. But while trade is booming, extreme heatwaves and droughts across Southern Europe — including Portugal — have rattled production. The impact? Lower yields and growing concerns about honey quality.

Meanwhile, the EU is tightening regulations, cracking down on adulterated honey, and pushing for transparent labeling. On the flip side, there’s a silver lining: demand for organic and locally sourced honey is on the rise across Europe, and Portugal is well-positioned to ride that wave — if it adapts quickly.

For businesses sourcing honey, keeping pace with these fast-moving changes isn’t optional — it’s essential. Platforms like Freshdi are proving indispensable, offering real-time supplier data, market insights, and RFQ trends tailored to this volatile landscape.

Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences

Let’s break down what’s been happening behind the scenes in Portugal’s honey market.

Production and Consumption Trends

Honey production in Portugal saw a slight dip in 2024, valued at roughly $X million. This isn’t necessarily alarming — production has stayed relatively stable over the past decade. Domestic honey consumption has hovered around 9,000 metric tons annually, a figure expected to remain steady through 2030.

Export Dynamics

Portugal’s export game is strong. In 2024, honey exports saw a significant uptick, with Spain being the main buyer, followed by Italy and Germany. However, the average export price per ton has dropped, likely due to increased competition and cheaper global alternatives.

Import Patterns

On the import side, Portugal has brought in more honey than ever before — mostly from China. This has sparked concerns over authenticity and quality, especially when this imported honey is re-exported within the EU.

Supply Chain and Quality Concerns

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — honey fraud. A 2023 EU-wide investigation found that nearly half of tested honey samples were tainted with sugar syrups. This revelation has pushed both consumers and importers toward verified, local sources. Demand for traceable, high-quality honey has gone up by 20%.

Tech-savvy producers are now investing in better testing and sourcing systems. That’s where Freshdi steps in, helping buyers verify suppliers, check for certifications, and monitor real-time RFQ shifts that reflect these evolving market needs.

Top 10 Verified Honey Suppliers in Portugal – Adapting to Today’s Market

These suppliers are standing tall despite the heatwaves, policy shifts, and trade drama. Verified on Freshdi, they’re ready for global buyers seeking quality and reliability.

Here are the Top 10 Honey Suppliers in Portugal in July 2025:

Mario Rodrigued
A robust exporter with consistent EU certifications, known for wildflower and eucalyptus honey.
THE ELEMENT CBD
Specializes in organic and CBD-infused honey, catering to the booming wellness market.
MEL DSERRA
Based in Serra da Estrela, this supplier is famous for mountain honey with high pollen purity.
Vale D’ouro
A heritage brand with strong traceability practices and diverse floral honey blends.
Cister, LDA
Known for bulk honey exports, with strict quality controls and BRC certification.
AGROARTESANAL – PRODUTOS AGROALIMENTARES, LDA.
Focused on artisanal practices and organic production, appealing to niche European markets.
Ano 2000, Lda
A reliable volume supplier, particularly strong in sunflower and lavender honey varieties.
SOLTALECRIM, LDA
Offers single-origin Portuguese honey with a strong sustainability narrative.
Mendes Goncalves, SA
An industry veteran with a diverse product portfolio, including honey-based condiments.
Organy Trade Sl
Specializes in organic honey for the EU market with full traceability and eco-certifications.

Dynamic Ranking Note:

These rankings are fluid. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” based on trade volume, buyer reviews, and product quality. Staying connected with live updates can give buyers a competitive edge.

Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Honey Landscape in Portugal

Things are sweet, but not simple. Let’s break down what’s helping and hurting Portugal’s honey sector right now — and how businesses should respond.

Opportunities on the Table

Government Incentives: Municipalities like Mangualde are stepping up to support beekeepers. Free bee feed, training programs, and financial support are being rolled out to help producers scale and stabilize.
EU Market Protection: With a new tariff quota in place for Ukrainian honey imports, local EU producers — including those in Portugal — can breathe a little easier. This policy helps stabilize prices and rewards quality producers.
Organic Boom: European consumers are falling in love with organic honey. Portuguese producers focusing on pesticide-free, wildflower varieties are seeing higher margins and better market access.

Threats to Watch

Climate Wreckage: The 2025 summer heatwave hit hard. Drought and wildfires destroyed thousands of hives, especially in central and southern Portugal. Beekeepers lost not only honey yields but also future production potential.
Asian Hornet Invasion: These aggressive wasps are decimating bee populations, particularly in the north. Some regions are reporting up to 35% declines in honey output. Without intervention, the impact could be long-lasting.
Regulatory Scrutiny: ASAE cracked down hard in July 2025. One major producer was shut down for hygiene and traceability violations. The message is clear: compliance is non-negotiable.

Smart Sourcing Tactics for Buyers

Diversify Your Sources: Don’t rely on a single supplier or region. Spread risk by sourcing from both coastal and inland producers.
Ask for Certifications: Make sure suppliers are up-to-date with EU food safety standards, traceability docs, and organic certifications if needed.
Use Freshdi for Verification: Platforms like Freshdi help you vet suppliers, track RFQ trends, and spot sudden spikes or drops in demand — all in real-time.

Immediate Product Focus Areas

Organic Wildflower Honey: High demand across Germany and France. Portuguese producers are ideally placed to supply this niche.
Eucalyptus Honey: A Portugal specialty, rich in antioxidants and highly sought after in the wellness space.
Bulk Honey for Repackaging: Buyers looking to rebrand honey under their own labels can find competitive prices and stable supply from top suppliers like Cister, LDA or Ano 2000, Lda.

Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market

Portugal’s honey market is humming with activity — and complexity. From record-breaking exports to climate-induced production cuts, the situation is evolving fast. Here’s what businesses need to keep in mind:

Trade is up, but so are quality concerns.
Local sourcing and organic products are winning consumer trust.
Regulatory oversight is tightening, but it’s creating a fairer market.
Climate and pests are real threats — diversify and prepare accordingly.

To thrive in this market, companies must be well-informed and quick to adapt. That’s where Freshdi truly shines. It offers:

Verified supplier profiles
Real-time RFQ trend alerts
Dynamic supplier rankings
Market intelligence tailored to current events

If you’re serious about sourcing honey from Portugal, don’t just follow the buzz — lead it.

Checklist for Honey Buyers in Portugal (July 2025 Edition)

✅ Verify suppliers via Freshdi
✅ Prioritize organic and traceable honey
✅ Monitor EU policy shifts on imports
✅ Watch out for climate-related supply dips
✅ Diversify sourcing regions and floral types
✅ Confirm hygiene and certification compliance
✅ Explore new product segments like CBD honey

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Honey Market in Portugal?

Looking ahead, Portugal could become a powerhouse in organic and specialty honey production — if it navigates the climate and regulatory hurdles effectively. With support from local authorities and growing EU consumer demand, the groundwork is being laid for a thriving, sustainable honey sector.

Buyers who act now — armed with the right tools and verified partners — stand to gain the most.

FAQs

1. What makes Portuguese honey unique compared to other European honeys?
Portuguese honey is often derived from wildflowers, eucalyptus, and rosemary plants, giving it a distinct aroma and flavor. The country’s diverse microclimates enhance this uniqueness.

2. How can I verify a honey supplier in Portugal?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, buyer reviews, and recent trade activity before engaging with a supplier.

3. Is there a growing demand for organic honey in Europe?
Absolutely. Organic honey demand is rising, especially in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, as consumers seek natural and pesticide-free products.

4. What are the biggest threats to honey production in Portugal currently?
Climate change (droughts, fires), Asian hornets, and regulatory non-compliance are major challenges for honey producers in the region.

5. Can I source bulk honey for repackaging from Portugal?
Yes. Suppliers like Cister, LDA and Ano 2000, Lda specialize in bulk honey exports suitable for private labeling and repackaging.

References

Tridge – Spain Imports More Low-Cost Honey Than Ever
IndexBox – Portugal Honey Market Report
WikiFarmer – Fresh Market Digest
AJOT – Europe’s Supply Chains Under Pressure
Euronews – EU Honey Market
ReportLinker – Portugal Food Consumption
CBI.eu – Demand for Honey in Europe
FoodIngredientsFirst – Honey Fraud Crisis
The Portugal News – Support for Beekeepers
Macau Business – Portugal Honey Crisis
Portugal Resident – Asian Hornet Impact
The Portugal News – Emergency Brake on Imports
The Portugal News – Honey Producer Shut Down