Picture of Honey products from Wild Honey Organic Product Co., Ltd,https://wildhoneyorganic.com/

Cambodia is known for fragrant rice and vibrant forests — but it also produces something just as golden: honey. In recent years, wild forest honey (especially Mondulkiri honey) and growing farm-based beekeeping have put Cambodian honey on the map. With distinct flavors, a protected Geographical Indication for Mondulkiri, and rising export volume, honey offers new livelihood opportunities for rural communities and an attractive product for international buyers. WIPO+1

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1) How much honey does Cambodia produce and export? — The latest figures

• Wild honey potential (Mondulkiri & northeast forests): Estimates of wild honey harvested in northeastern Cambodia range from 113 to 150 tonnes per year, with some community reports and studies noting potential harvests up to 150–200 tonnes in productive seasons. This wild honey is largely collected by Bunong (indigenous) honey-hunters in Mondulkiri and nearby provinces. The Star+1
• GI status: “Mondulkiri Wild Honey” holds a Geographical Indication (GI) registration, which protects the product’s origin and helps add premium value in markets that reward provenance. WIPO
• Export performance (most recent year on record — 2024): Cambodia exported 2,432,930 kg (≈2,433 tonnes) of natural honey in 2024, valued at approximately US$3.175 million; the United States was the largest importer by dollar value. These figures show Cambodia is already participating in global honey trade at tangible scale. WITS

Why these numbers matter: wild honey supplies premium niche markets (limited but high value), while farmed honey (and scaled wild-honey collection programs) can increase volume for mainstream export channels. Tridge+1

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2) Why Cambodian honey stands out — taste, story, and GI protection

• Unique terroir & bee species: Much wild honey (e.g., Mondulkiri) comes from native giant bees (Apis dorsata) and forest flora, giving the honey a distinctive aroma, darker color, and complex flavor profile prized by specialty buyers. Wikipedia
• Community & sustainability story: Honey harvesting in Mondulkiri is performed by indigenous honey-hunters using traditional, low-impact methods. The GI protects local heritage and supports sustainable forest livelihoods — a powerful story for ethical consumers. WIPO+1
• Two supply types = two product strategies:
  • Wild forest honey (premium): limited volume, higher price, marketed as GI / single-origin.
  • Farm honey (scaled): produced via managed hives, offers more consistent supply and room for processing/standardization.

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3) Market demand & export opportunities — where Cambodia fits

• Global demand for specialty honey is rising. Consumers in the U.S., EU, Japan, and parts of Asia increasingly seek single-origin, wild, and ethically sourced honeys (Manuka helped create the premium benchmark). Cambodia’s GI-backed forest honey is well positioned to enter this niche. WITS
• Existing export channels: Cambodia already exported roughly 2,433 tonnes of honey in 2024 (≈US$3.18M), showing active trade relationships — especially with the U.S. This existing footprint makes scaling and market diversification more feasible. WITS
• Target markets & segments:
  • Premium natural/organic shops and artisan food retailers in the U.S., EU, Japan, and South Korea.
  • Regional ASEAN markets (Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand) for both premium and everyday honey.
  • Online direct-to-consumer channels (specialty marketplaces, subscription boxes) where provenance and storytelling add value.

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4) Challenges to overcome (so exports scale reliably)

To turn potential into sustainable exports, Cambodia must address several gaps:

1. Seasonality & limited high-grade volumes: Wild honey is seasonal and variable; current GI-certified production volumes are relatively small. Scaling premium supply without harming ecosystems is a delicate balance. The Star
2. Quality control & food safety: Export markets require consistent lab testing for moisture, HMF, pesticides, and microbial safety; many small collectors lack access to certified labs and hygienic processing.
3. Traceability & certification: Buyers often request organic, ISO, or other certifications; traceability systems (batch tracking, harvest records) are essential to prove authenticity.
4. Aggregation & logistics: Smallholder honey must be collected, filtered, bottled, and packaged to international standards — requiring investment in collection centers and cold/dry logistics. wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org

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5) Practical roadmap: how Cambodian exporters can win

Here’s a step-by-step plan to grow a successful Cambodian honey business for export:

1. Dual product strategy: Launch two lines — (A) “Mondulkiri Wild Honey — GI” (premium), (B) “Cambodia Pure Farm Honey” (everyday). This captures high-value niches and larger volume channels. WIPO
2. Secure quality & traceability: Invest in basic lab testing (moisture content, HMF), batch labeling, and simple blockchain/QR code traceability so consumers can scan and learn origin stories.
3. Form producer cooperatives: Aggregate wild honey collectors and small beekeepers into cooperatives to standardize collection, ensure fair prices, and invest in communal processing centers. CASDP and similar projects offer models for value-chain support. World Bank+1
4. Get certifications where possible: Pursue GI labeling promotion, organic or fair-trade where feasible, and comply with buyer country sanitary requirements (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EU regs). WIPO
5. Brand & story marketing: Emphasize forest origin, indigenous stewardship, GI protection, and sustainable harvesting. Use strong visuals and short videos of honey harvesting to build trust.
6. Pilot exports to niche channels: Start with specialty importers in the U.S. and ASEAN, subscription boxes, and natural-food retailers; reinvest margins into scaling quality infrastructure. WITS

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6) Quick facts & numbers (for your blog sidebar)

• Wild honey harvest potential (northeast forests): ~113–150 tonnes/year (seasonal; some reports say up to 150–200 t in good years). The Star+1
• GI protection: Mondulkiri Wild Honey — registered GI (protects origin & traditional methods). WIPO
• 2024 exports: 2,432,930 kg of natural honey exported; value ≈ US$3.175 million (largest buyer: United States). WITS
• Development support: Projects like CASDP and WWF wild-honey programs are supporting farmer training, hive distribution, and sustainable collection. World Bank+1

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Conclusion — Why now is the right time

Cambodian honey brings together unique flavor, cultural heritage, and market momentum. With GI protection for Mondulkiri honey, rising export volumes, and international appetite for single-origin and ethically sourced foods, Cambodia has a credible path from forest hive to export shelf. The twin approach — preserving wild honey’s premium identity while scaling farm honey production — creates a resilient sector that benefits communities and businesses alike.