Introduction – Malaysia’s Honey Market: A Quantitative Overview
Malaysia’s honey industry is buzzing with potential—literally and statistically.
In 2023, the country exported 406,484 kilograms of natural honey, valued at $1.5 million, a 14.6% increase in value from the previous year. The lion’s share of these exports went to Singapore (54.07%), followed by Australia, France, Morocco, and Hong Kong. These numbers confirm a healthy upward trend in Malaysia’s honey exports.
Interestingly, while exports are rising, Malaysia still imports over 3.42 million kilograms of honey annually—more than eight times what it exports. Imports totaled $11.2 million in 2023, primarily from New Zealand, China, Australia, and Thailand. This clearly points to a domestic demand that far surpasses local production capabilities.
But there’s a catch—up to 90% of honey sold locally may be artificial, according to Dr. Zulkifli Mustafa of Universiti Sains Malaysia. This issue casts a shadow over consumer trust and raises the bar for supplier verification and sourcing transparency.
Enter platforms like Freshdi, which offer verified trade data, RFQ trends, and supplier performance analytics—crucial tools to help buyers identify authentic, high-performing suppliers in a market plagued by fakes.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s get into the numbers.
In 2023, Malaysia’s honey export volume jumped by 76% from the previous year, hitting a total of 406,484 kg. The export value rose to $1.5 million, led by booming demand from Singapore and growing interest from France and Australia.
Here’s the export breakdown by destination:
- Singapore: $813,060 (54.07%)
- Australia: $141,570 (9.41%)
- France: $132,960 (8.84%)
- Morocco: $72,260 (4.81%)
- Hong Kong: $70,530 (4.69%)
On the demand side, things look quite different. Domestic honey demand is expected to decline, not grow. In 2023, the demand stood at 960 metric tons, but that’s projected to drop to 680 metric tons by 2028—a 6.7% annual decline.
So what does all this mean?
It suggests a strategic pivot: Malaysia is becoming an export-focused honey hub, with reduced dependence on internal consumption. Freshdi’s RFQ (Request For Quotation) data confirms this export shift—buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and Australia are increasingly turning to Malaysian suppliers for premium honey.
Top 3 Verified Honey Suppliers in Malaysia – Leading Exporters by Volume
After analyzing export volumes, buyer reviews, and certification data available on Freshdi, here are the Top 3 Honey Suppliers in Malaysia in Year 2025 you should know:
1. Kintry Sdn Bhd
Kintry is known for its innovative honey-infused granola products, combining local honey with health-conscious ingredients. They’ve gained attention for their:
- Artisanal approach to honey-based snacks.
- Export readiness with strong packaging and branding.
- Consistent performance in RFQs from Singapore and Hong Kong.
2. MADAM SUN SDN. BHD.
Specializing in rainforest honey syrup concentrates, MADAM SUN stands out for:
- High-volume exports to Australia and France.
- Halal-certified products, catering to global Muslim markets.
- Eco-conscious sourcing from Malaysian rainforest regions.
3. LE TOUR DU MONDE SDN. BHD.
A rising star in bulk honey exports, especially their unique durian-infused raw honey. They’re favored for:
- Bulk shipping capabilities for B2B clients in Europe and MENA.
- Unique product differentiation via fruit-infused variants.
- Strong Freshdi reviews for consistency and purity.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind: platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic rankings such as “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Performer This Quarter,” which reflect real-time supplier performance, trade volume, and buyer feedback.
So while these three lead in 2025, upcoming quarters may see new players rising based on seasonal demand and performance.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Honey isn’t just honey—there’s wild honey, tualang honey, multifloral, and even durian-infused variants. Each has its own pricing trend and demand pattern.
Honey Variant Demand Trends
- Wild Honey and Multifloral Honey are the top export picks, especially in Singapore and Australia.
- Rainforest Honey is gaining traction in eco-conscious markets like France and Germany.
- Flavored honeys (like peach or durian) are niche but growing fast in the Middle East and East Asia.
Pricing Trends
There’s a seasonal rise in honey prices around Q3 (July–September), which aligns with higher demand from beverage manufacturers preparing for festive seasons. Conversely, Q1 sees relatively lower prices—a good time for bulk procurement.
Using historical pricing data from Freshdi, businesses can:
- Forecast optimal buying windows
- Negotiate better deals
- Avoid peak-season price spikes
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Malaysia’s honey market is at an exciting crossroads. Export figures are up. International interest is growing. And with declining local demand, exporters are more motivated than ever to partner with global buyers.
Here’s the recap:
- Malaysia exported over 400,000 kg of honey in 2023, with a 76% YoY increase in volume.
- Top markets include Singapore, Australia, and France.
- Local demand is shrinking, pushing suppliers to focus on export excellence.
- Counterfeit honey remains a concern, making verified sourcing essential.
That’s where Freshdi comes in. From real-time RFQ trends to supplier reviews and performance benchmarks, it empowers buyers to make data-backed decisions. Whether you’re sourcing bulk honey or premium rainforest varieties, Freshdi offers transparency, traceability, and trust.
✅ Buyer’s Checklist – Sourcing Honey from Malaysia
- 📌 Check supplier export volumes and destinations (available via Freshdi).
- 🔍 Verify product authenticity (look for lab-tested certifications).
- 🛡️ Choose Halal-certified or eco-certified products if targeting specific markets.
- 📦 Consider seasonal pricing when placing bulk orders.
- 🌐 Use platforms like Freshdi to monitor RFQ trends and top-performing suppliers.
🔮 Future Outlook – What’s Ahead for Malaysia’s Honey Industry?
Despite its small global market share (0.07%), Malaysia is poised for growth by:
- Diversifying export destinations
- Developing premium honey variants
- Investing in authenticity verification
As global buyers seek traceable and unique honey types, Malaysia has a golden opportunity to differentiate through quality and innovation.
And with platforms like Freshdi offering real-time insights, the future of honey procurement is more transparent than ever.
FAQs
1. Why is Malaysia importing so much honey while also exporting it?
Great question! While Malaysia exports premium honey, it imports cheaper or different varieties to meet domestic demand, which far exceeds local production.
2. How can I be sure the honey I’m sourcing is authentic?
Use platforms like Freshdi that vet suppliers and offer lab-tested, verified products. Look for certifications and buyer reviews.
3. What’s the most in-demand type of Malaysian honey internationally?
Wild and rainforest honey are the top choices globally, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia.
4. When is the best time to buy Malaysian honey in bulk?
Q1 (January–March) usually offers the best prices before seasonal demand spikes in Q3.
5. Can I contact suppliers directly through Freshdi?
Absolutely. Freshdi allows you to send RFQs directly, review supplier profiles, and even compare certifications and trade history.
References
- World Bank WITS – Malaysia Honey Exports
- World Bank WITS – Malaysia Honey Imports
- The Straits Times – 90% of Honey in Malaysia May Be Fake
- IndexBox – Malaysia Honey Price
- TrendEconomy – Malaysia Honey Export Data
- ReportLinker – Malaysia Honey Market Forecast
