Iran's honey exports are on the rise, with officials aiming to significantly increase exports in the coming year.

According to Hossein Akbarpour, the head of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture's Beekeeping Project, the country exported 1,311 tons of honey in the past Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2023 - February 22, 2024)

He expressed confidence in Iran's ability to reach 10,000 tons of annual honey exports, highlighting a recent agreement with China as a key step.

Negotiations are also underway to expand honey exports to Armenia and Russia, the official said.

"Armenia and Kyrgyzstan serve as gateways to the European and Eurasian markets for Iranian honey," Akbarpour explained, underlining the industry's potential for growth and profitability.

Beyond exports, honey production plays a crucial role in crop pollination, particularly for almonds and sunflowers, he added. 

Iran currently ranks third globally in honey production according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).