Spain leads the EU in professional beekeeping, with 17% of its 27,781 registered apiaries run…

Spain leads the EU in professional beekeeping, with 17% of its 27,781 registered apiaries run by professionals. However, unlike other livestock sectors, there is no official benchmark detailing honey production costs. This lack of data leaves Spanish beekeepers vulnerable amid challenges like drought, varroa mite infestations, invasive species, rising costs, and fraudulent imports.

Costs for beekeepers have surged, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Imported honey sells in Spain at about €1.90 per kilo, while domestic honey averaged €4.48 per kilo wholesale and €7.65 per kilo retail in the 2025/2026 season. The national hive count dropped from 3.1 million in 2020 to 2.74 million, reflecting sector difficulties.