Introduction – Canada’s Honey Market by the Numbers
Canada has long been recognized for its high-quality, natural honey, and despite recent challenges, it’s still a strong player in the global honey trade. In 2024, however, the country’s honey industry saw some dramatic shifts. Production dropped significantly—by about 18%—landing at 78.18 million pounds, down from 95.65 million pounds in 2023. That’s despite having over 15,430 beekeepers and 829,120 colonies, one of the highest colony counts in Canadian history.
Export-wise, Canada shipped out 7.39 million kilograms of honey in 2023, valued at around US$36.58 million. The United States and Japan were the dominant buyers, taking in over 90% of that volume. Still, Canada holds a respectable 1.78% share in global honey exports and ranks 11th in production worldwide.
So, what does this mean for businesses looking to source honey from Canada? It means it’s more important than ever to take a data-driven approach. With shifts in production, pricing, and buyer preferences, picking the right supplier isn’t just about who offers the lowest price—it’s about reliability, certification, and proven export performance. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in, offering verified supplier data, RFQ trends, and valuable insights.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s break down the latest numbers to understand where the Canadian honey market stands:
- Total Production (2024): 78.18 million pounds
- Total Value: C$214.13 million
- Export Volume (2023): 7.39 million kg
- Export Value: US$36.58 million
Key Export Destinations (2023):
- United States: 3.62 million kg (US$18.89M)
- Japan: 3.33 million kg (US$15.90M)
- South Korea: 264,392 kg (US$1.16M)
- China: 70,510 kg (US$285.5K)
- India: 62,090 kg (US$147.9K)
These numbers show a clear dependency on the U.S. and Japanese markets. But they also highlight opportunities for diversification—especially for buyers in Asia and the Middle East looking for premium, natural honey.
On platforms like Freshdi, RFQ (Request for Quote) trends have mirrored these shifts. There’s been a spike in demand for verified, traceable honey, especially from health-conscious markets that are cracking down on adulterated products. Buyers are increasingly requesting certificates of analysis, origin verification, and pesticide residue reports.
Top 8 Verified Honey Suppliers in Canada – Top Tier Based on Export Data
When it comes to sourcing honey from Canada, these eight suppliers consistently perform at the top tier. They’ve been vetted for export activity, user feedback on Freshdi, and certifications like HACCP, Organic, and GMP compliance.
Here are the Top 8 Honey Suppliers in Canada in August 2025:
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Pinnacle Honey Supplies Ltd
Known for consistent export volumes and high-quality natural honey, Pinnacle is a go-to for bulk buyers in North America and Asia. -
Grassy Brook Farms
With a focus on local and raw honey, Grassy Brook is popular among niche markets seeking non-GMO and organic certification. -
Belicious Products
This supplier is making waves in the gourmet honey segment, offering infused and creamed honey for premium buyers. -
C&c Global Group
A large-scale exporter with diversified honey variants, known for strong logistics and fulfillment capabilities. -
Agrifoodlink Pvt. Ltd.
While globally active, their Canadian operations focus on organic and fair-trade honey exports to Asia and the Middle East. -
Lifesun Marketing
A newer entrant but quickly gaining traction for their transparent sourcing and high compliance standards. -
Cantrast
Specializes in buckwheat and wildflower honey, with strong distribution networks in Japan and South Korea. -
SW Exports
A reliable bulk honey exporter, supplying to food processors and beverage manufacturers globally.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings may fluctuate monthly based on performance metrics like export volume, buyer ratings, and quotation activity on platforms like Freshdi. Keep an eye out for “Supplier of the Month” features that spotlight top performers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
So, how do you make sense of all this data if you’re a buyer?
Well, honey isn’t just honey. There are multiple variants—wildflower, clover, buckwheat, creamed, and even infused varieties. Each comes with its own pricing trends and demand cycles.
Seasonal Trends:
Canadian honey production peaks in late summer (July to September), which means prices for fresh batches are usually more competitive around August and September. That’s the sweet spot—literally and figuratively—for businesses to lock in contracts.
Export Dynamics:
Exporters have had to adapt to stricter regulations, especially in markets like Japan, where herbicide residue limits are tightly enforced. This has led to better traceability systems and more robust testing—a win for buyers looking for clean-label products.
Historical pricing data shows that Canadian honey tends to hold a premium over global averages due to its purity and regulatory compliance. But there’s wiggle room if you’re buying in bulk or signing long-term contracts.
Platforms like Freshdi allow you to track average RFQ pricing trends, spot seasonal dips, and even forecast price changes based on past data. That kind of insight can save you thousands.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Canada might be facing some headwinds in honey production, but it’s still a stronghold for quality, traceability, and export reliability. For businesses looking to import honey, especially in August 2025, the key is using data—not guesswork—to make decisions.
By understanding where Canada stands in global markets, how its suppliers rank based on verified export performance, and what seasonal and regulatory factors are at play, you can make smarter, more profitable sourcing choices.
And that’s exactly where platforms like Freshdi shine. With real-time supplier data, RFQ trends, and market insights, Freshdi empowers buyers to cut through the noise and connect with trusted suppliers who deliver.
Key Takeaways
- Canada is a top-20 exporter and top-15 producer of natural honey globally.
- Production saw an 18% drop in 2024 despite a rise in beekeepers and colonies.
- Exports are heavily concentrated in the U.S. and Japan.
- Verified suppliers like Pinnacle and Grassy Brook lead the pack based on export and certification data.
- August is a prime month for procurement due to fresh harvests and competitive pricing.
Buyer’s Checklist for Honey Procurement in Canada
- ✅ Check supplier certifications (Organic, HACCP, GMP)
- ✅ Request lab reports for pesticide residues
- ✅ Use Freshdi to verify export history and buyer reviews
- ✅ Time your orders around peak production months (July–Sept)
- ✅ Diversify suppliers to mitigate regional risks
Future Outlook
As global markets demand more transparency and stricter quality controls, Canadian honey may actually gain a competitive edge. Suppliers are stepping up their game with better documentation, clean-label practices, and buyer assurance programs.
Going forward, platforms like Freshdi will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between data and decision-making. By aggregating supplier metrics, buyer feedback, and market signals, they’re making it easier than ever to buy with confidence.
FAQs
1. Why did Canada’s honey production drop in 2024?
Despite an increase in beekeepers and colonies, adverse weather and forage conditions led to lower yields across several provinces.
2. What’s the best time of year to buy honey from Canada?
Late summer to early fall (August–September) is ideal due to peak production and better pricing.
3. Are Canadian honey suppliers certified for international export?
Yes, most top suppliers hold certifications like Organic, HACCP, and GMP, which are verified on platforms like Freshdi.
4. Can I request samples or lab reports before committing to a large order?
Absolutely. Many suppliers on Freshdi offer sample shipments and detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) upon request.
5. How does Freshdi help in choosing the right supplier?
Freshdi provides verified supplier profiles, export performance data, RFQ trends, and buyer reviews—allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
References
- AgCanada.com – Canadian Honey Production Down in 2024
- WITS (World Bank) – Canada Honey Exports 2023
- Tridge.com – Canada Honey Export Intelligence
- Producer.com – Market Outlook on Canadian Honey
- Freshdi – Verified Supplier Listings and RFQ Trends