Employment statistics on the Beekeeping industry in the US

This statistic shows the number of honey bee colonies in the United States from 2016 to 2023. In 2023, there were approximately **** million honey bee colonies in the United States, a slight decrease from the previous year.

The beekeeping sector in the United States amounted to ***** million U.S. dollars in 2022, down from the previous year's total of *** million U.S dollars.

Honey is the natural product made by bees—one of our planet's most important species. Honey bees visit millions of blossoms in their lifetimes, making pollination of plants possible and collecting nectar to bring back to the hive to produce honey.

Honey bees use honey as their primary energy source and their instinct is to make more than their colony needs. Beekeepers harvest the excess and bottle it for consumption, just like they’ve been doing since the beginning of time. Harvesting honey is good for the bees and also part of what makes successful beekeeping businesses.

This dataset provides insights into honey production, demand, and supply across different states of America.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Beekeeping industry in the US

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of American Beekeeping Federation Inc

Businesses in the beekeeping sector in the United States gradually increased throughout the past decade. In 2022, there were ****** businesses in this sector compared to the previous year's total of ******. The number of establishments in this sector peaked in 2022.

According to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of honey-producing colonies in the US decreased by 5.9% in 2023. Unusually high losses due to colony collapse disorder and unpredictable weather have strained domestic honey supplies and pollination services, pushing prices higher and creating gaps increasingly filled by low-cost imports. Stiff import competition from countries with low production costs accounted for over 60.0% of domestic demand, surging since 2021 from Argentina and India. Due to these challenges, industry revenue has been falling at a CAGR of 2.9% over the past five years and is expected to reach $721.39 million in 2024. This includes a substantial 6.7% jump in 2024 as farm demand for pollination services. The industry’s ability to adapt to these conditions has been notable, as beekeepers have capitalized on the growing need for pollination services, especially as the fruit, nut and vegetable sectors expand. With local bee shortages in major crop-producing areas, the industry has pivoted from relying on traditional honey sales to embracing service-oriented models, helping them stay afloat amid volatile market conditions. Producers have also diversified their offerings with new honey-based products, like honey-infused cosmetics and health supplements, to meet changing consumer preferences. The rise of the wellness market has provided beekeepers access to a lucrative niche. Due to rising costs, industry profit has slowly dipped but remains steady above 4.0%.
Beekeeping revenue is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.5% over the next five years, reaching an estimated $715.43 million in 2029. The industry will face hardships as agriculture prices are forecast to fall and consumer demand for honey stabilizes. Beekeepers must be prepared to mitigate losses due to colony collapse disorder, unpredictable weather, and disease outbreaks. Crop farmers' demand for pollination services will likely drive industry performance, supported by product development creating access to new lucrative wellness markets.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

There were approximately **** thousand employees in the beekeeping sector in the United States in 2020. The sector saw a *** percent growth over the previous year's total of ***** thousand employees.

Statistics illustrates market overview of agricultural, horticultural, forestry, poultry-keeping, bee-keeping machinery; including germination plant fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment; poultry incubators and brooders in the United States from 2007 to 2024.

The global stackable beehive market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a value of $3,498.4 million in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing demand for honey and other bee products, coupled with growing awareness of the crucial role bees play in pollination and ecosystem health, are significantly boosting market adoption. Furthermore, technological advancements in beehive design, such as the introduction of smart beehives offering remote monitoring and automated hive management, are enhancing efficiency and productivity for beekeepers, both residential and commercial. The rise of sustainable and environmentally conscious practices within the agricultural sector further contributes to the market's upward trajectory, as beekeeping plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Market segmentation reveals significant demand across both vertical and horizontal types of stackable beehives, with commercial beekeepers representing a major consumer segment due to their larger-scale operations and need for efficient hive management solutions. Geographic distribution shows a diversified market presence across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, each exhibiting unique growth patterns influenced by factors such as bee population density, consumer preferences, and government regulations supporting beekeeping initiatives. While North America and Europe currently hold a larger market share, rapid economic growth and increasing agricultural activities in regions like Asia-Pacific are poised to fuel significant market expansion in the coming years. Competition amongst established players like BeeCastle, Beewise, and Dadant & Sons, Inc., alongside emerging innovators, is fostering innovation and driving down costs, making stackable beehives increasingly accessible to a wider range of beekeepers. The market’s growth, however, could face challenges from factors such as fluctuating honey prices, the impact of climate change on bee populations, and the potential for disease outbreaks affecting bee colonies.

The global bee breeding equipment market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $100.84 million in 2025, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. The increasing demand for honey and other bee products globally drives the need for efficient and effective beekeeping equipment. Furthermore, growing awareness of the crucial role of bees in pollination and ecosystem health is encouraging both commercial and residential beekeeping operations, boosting the demand for beehives, protective suits, honey extractors, and other related equipment. Technological advancements in beekeeping equipment, such as automated hive monitoring systems and improved honey extraction methods, are further contributing to market expansion. The market is segmented by application (residential and commercial beekeepers) and equipment type (beehives, protective suits, honey extractors). Commercial beekeeping, characterized by larger-scale operations and higher honey production, represents a significant portion of the market. Regional variations in beekeeping practices and honey consumption patterns influence market distribution, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market shares due to established beekeeping industries and high consumer demand. However, emerging markets in Asia Pacific and other regions present substantial growth opportunities. The market faces certain restraints, including the fluctuating honey prices, potential impacts of climate change on bee populations, and the availability of skilled beekeepers, factors that require strategic mitigation by industry stakeholders. The continued growth trajectory is anticipated to be driven by government initiatives promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of honey and related products, and the ongoing adoption of advanced technologies designed to improve efficiency and productivity within the beekeeping sector. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainable and ethical honey sourcing is likely to fuel the demand for high-quality bee breeding equipment that supports environmentally friendly beekeeping practices. This, coupled with the expanding global population and rising disposable incomes in many developing economies, creates a favorable environment for long-term growth in the bee breeding equipment market. Competition in the market is diverse, involving both established players and emerging companies. This competitive landscape will likely drive innovation and lead to further advancements in beekeeping technology in the coming years.

This statistic shows the number of beehives in leading countries worldwide in 2023 (in thousand units). ***** has the largest number of beehives, totaling around **** million, followed by ***** with about *** million.

Precision Bee Colony Robot Hive Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Precision Bee Colony Robot Hive market size reached USD 1.43 billion in 2024, with a robust year-on-year growth trajectory. The market is exhibiting a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% from 2025 to 2033, driven by the rapid adoption of automation and smart technologies in apiculture. By 2033, the market is forecasted to attain a value of USD 5.12 billion. This impressive expansion is primarily attributed to increasing concerns over bee population decline, the critical role of pollinators in agriculture, and the integration of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence in hive management.

One of the most significant growth factors in the Precision Bee Colony Robot Hive market is the escalating awareness of the importance of bees in global food security and ecosystem sustainability. With bee populations facing threats from pesticides, diseases, and climate change, there is a heightened demand for innovative solutions that can monitor, manage, and protect colonies more efficiently. Automated hive monitoring systems and robotic maintenance units offer real-time insights into hive health, temperature, humidity, and pest infestations, enabling beekeepers to intervene promptly and reduce colony losses. This technological intervention is not only improving hive productivity but also supporting global agricultural output through enhanced pollination services.

Another key driver propelling the market is the integration of AI-based systems and IoT-enabled devices within the beekeeping industry. These technologies facilitate predictive analytics, automated responses to environmental changes, and seamless data collection, transforming traditional beekeeping into a data-driven, precision-focused discipline. The ability to remotely monitor and manage multiple hives across diverse geographies is particularly beneficial for commercial beekeepers and large-scale agricultural operations. Furthermore, research institutions are increasingly leveraging these technologies for advanced studies on bee behavior, disease dynamics, and environmental impacts, further fueling market growth.

The market is also benefitting from supportive government initiatives and funding for sustainable agriculture and pollinator protection. Various countries are implementing policies that encourage the adoption of smart beekeeping technologies to mitigate the impact of colony collapse disorder and enhance food production. Additionally, the availability of online retail and direct sales channels has made it easier for end-users to access advanced hive solutions, contributing to market expansion. However, the high initial investment and the need for technical expertise remain challenges, particularly for small-scale beekeepers in developing regions.

Regionally, North America and Europe are leading the adoption of precision bee colony robot hives, owing to advanced agricultural practices, strong research infrastructure, and heightened environmental awareness. The Asia Pacific region is poised for the fastest growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of commercial beekeeping, government support, and rapid technological advancements. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually emerging as promising markets, supported by the growing recognition of pollinators’ economic value and the need for sustainable agriculture practices.

Product Type Analysis

The Product Type segment in the Precision Bee Colony Robot Hive market is categorized into Automated Hive Monitoring Systems, Robotic Hive Maintenance Units, Smart Beehive Controllers, and Others. Automated hive monitoring systems have emerged as the dominant product type, accounting for the largest share in 2024. These systems are equipped with sophisticated sensors and wireless communication modules that continuously track hive conditions, including temperature, humidity, bee activity, and pest presence. The automation of data collection and real-time alerts has revolutionized hive management, enabling beekeepers to make informed decisions and reduce manual inspection time. This segment is projected to maintain its lead due to the ongoing advancements in sensor technology and data analytics.

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The global apiculture equipment market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for honey and other bee products, coupled with a rising awareness of the crucial role of bees in pollination and environmental sustainability. The market, estimated at $1.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated value of approximately $2.5 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the growing global population and increasing disposable incomes are driving up the consumption of honey and related bee products, boosting the demand for efficient and technologically advanced apiculture equipment. Secondly, the rising awareness of the importance of bee conservation and the declining bee populations worldwide are encouraging beekeepers to adopt modern equipment and techniques for improved bee health and honey production. Furthermore, technological advancements in hive management tools, protective clothing, and honey extractors are improving efficiency and yield, stimulating market growth. The market is segmented by product type (hive tools, protective clothing, smokers, honey extractors, and others) and sales channel (online and offline). While online sales are experiencing rapid growth, offline channels remain dominant, reflecting the strong preference for direct interaction and product assessment among beekeepers. Geographical distribution shows significant regional variations, with North America and Europe holding the largest market share, driven by established beekeeping practices and a high level of consumer awareness. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific are presenting lucrative growth opportunities, fueled by increasing beekeeping adoption and government initiatives supporting the sector. The major restraints to market growth include the high initial investment costs associated with purchasing modern apiculture equipment, which can pose a barrier for smaller-scale beekeepers. Fluctuations in honey prices and seasonal variations in honey production also impact the market dynamics. However, government support programs aimed at promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and technological advancements in cost-effective equipment are likely to mitigate these challenges in the long term. Leading players in the market are constantly innovating to enhance product efficiency, durability, and user-friendliness, thereby driving the market’s growth. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large multinational companies and smaller regional players, leading to a dynamic and innovative market environment. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global apiculture equipment market, valued at approximately $2 billion in 2023. It delves into market segmentation, key trends, competitive landscape, and future growth projections, utilizing data from reputable sources and industry expertise. This report is crucial for businesses involved in beekeeping, agricultural technology, and related sectors. High-search-volume keywords like "beekeeping equipment market size," "honey extractor sales," "beehive tools wholesale," and "protective beekeeping suits" are incorporated throughout to optimize online visibility.

The global electric honey extractor market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for efficient and automated honey harvesting techniques. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $150 million, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the rising global population and consequently increased honey consumption, the growing preference for organic and natural sweeteners, and technological advancements leading to more efficient and user-friendly electric extractors. Furthermore, the expansion of the beekeeping industry, particularly in developing economies, is contributing significantly to market expansion. Beekeepers are increasingly adopting electric extractors to reduce labor costs, improve honey yield, and minimize the risk of honey contamination. The market is segmented based on extractor capacity, power source, and end-user (commercial vs. small-scale beekeepers). Major players like Harvest Lane Honey, Lyson, and Mann Lake are driving innovation through product diversification and strategic partnerships. The sustained growth trajectory is expected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), propelled by rising consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with honey and the increasing adoption of sustainable beekeeping practices. However, potential restraints include the high initial investment cost of electric honey extractors, especially for small-scale beekeepers, and the availability of affordable, high-quality replacement parts. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, with continued technological advancements, such as improved efficiency and automation features, expected to further stimulate market demand. The geographic distribution of the market is diverse, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market shares, but emerging economies in Asia and Africa are poised for substantial growth in the coming years. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global electric honey extractor market, projected to reach a valuation exceeding $500 million by 2030. We delve into market concentration, key trends, dominant regions, product insights, and the competitive landscape, equipping stakeholders with actionable intelligence for strategic decision-making. This report is crucial for beekeepers, honey producers, equipment manufacturers, and investors seeking a clear understanding of this dynamic market.

The Africanized honey bee (AHB) is a New World amalgamation of several subspecies of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), a diverse taxon historically grouped into four major biogeographic lineages: A (African), M (Western European), C (Eastern European), and O (Middle Eastern). In 1956, accidental release of experimentally bred “Africanized” hybrids from a research apiary in Sao Paulo, Brazil, initiated a hybrid species expansion that now extends from northern Argentina to northern California (U.S.A.). Here, we assess nuclear admixture and mitochondrial ancestry in 60 bees from four countries (Panamá; Costa Rica, Mexico; U.S.A) across this expansive range to assess ancestry of AHB several decades following initial introduction and test the prediction that African ancestry decreases with increasing latitude. We find that AHB nuclear genomes from Central America and Mexico have predominately African genomes (76–89%) with smaller contributions from Western and Eastern European lineages. Similarly, nearly all honey bees from Central America and Mexico possess mitochondrial ancestry from the African lineage with few individuals having European mitochondria. In contrast, AHB from San Diego (CA) show markedly lower African ancestry (38%) with substantial genomic contributions from all four major honey bee lineages and mitochondrial ancestry from all four clades as well. Genetic diversity measures from all New World populations equal or exceed those of ancestral populations. Interestingly, the feral honey bee population of San Diego emerges as a reservoir of diverse admixture and high genetic diversity, making it a potentially rich source of genetic material for honey bee breeding. Methods We collected 60 Western honey bees (n = 15/country) from sites in each of four countries: the isthmus of Panamá; Guanacaste National Park, Costa Rica; Chiapas, Mexico; San Diego County, California, U.S.A. (Table 1). All samples were collected in June 2015 – August 2016 by hand-netting. Honey bees in Panamá were collected with an insect net while they foraged either on natural vegetation in rural areas, or on street vendor syrup dispensers in urban areas. Honey bees were collected across the isthmus of Panamá from five sites, each separated by > 5 km: Panamá City, Gamboa, Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Santa Rita Arriba, and Cólon. Individuals from Costa Rica were collected from the Santa Rosa sector of Guanacaste National Park in northwestern Costa Rica. These bees were collected from a localized region and likely originate from a small number of feral colonies. Honey bees from Mexico were collected from an apiary in the southern state of Chiapas, with each bee collected from a different hive. Honey bees from San Diego County, California, U.S.A. were workers collected while foraging on flowers. San Diego bees were collected across 15 sites each separated by > 5 km so that each likely represents a worker from a different colony. The furthest collection sites were separated by 65 km. Collection sites ranged from urban to rural settings. Due to the presence of hobbyist and agricultural beekeeping we do not rule out the possibility that the captured honey bees were from managed rather than feral hives. However, most honey bee foragers in San Diego are from feral hives. We extracted DNA from crushed heads of the 60 sampled honey bees using the standard protocol of the Qiagen DNAeasy Blood & Tissue extraction kit. DNA purity and appropriate concentration for sequencing were validated with a Qubit fluorometer prior to submission for library preparation. The DNA was submitted for DNA KAPA library construction and whole-genome sequencing at the Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM), UC San Diego. All 60 individuals were multiplexed and sequenced across three lanes of an Illumina HiSeq4000 platform to produce 100-bp paired end reads. Average genomic coverage per individual was 29±1.2X.

Honeybee colonies are increasingly exposed to environmental stress factors, which can lead to their decline or failure. However, there are major gaps in stressor risk assessment due to the difficulty of assessing the honeybee colony state and detecting abnormal events. Since stress factors usually induce a demographic disturbance in the colony (e.g. loss of foragers, early transition from nurse to forager state), we suggest that disturbances could be revealed indirectly by measuring the age- and task-related physiological state of bees, which can be referred to as biological age (an indicator of the changes in physiological state that occur throughout an individual lifespan). We therefore estimated the biological age of bees from the relationship between age and biomarkers of task specialization (vitellogenin and the adipokinetic hormone receptor). This relationship was determined from a calibrated sample set of known-age bees and mathematically modelled for biological age prediction. Then, we determined throughout the foraging season the evolution of the biological age of bees from colonies with low (conventional apiary) or high Varroa destructor infestation rates (organic apiary). We found that the biological age of bees from the conventional apiary progressively decreased from the spring (17 days) to the fall (6 days). However, in colonies from the organic apiary, the population aged from spring (13 days) to summer (18.5 days) and then rejuvenated in the fall (13 days) after Varroa treatment. Biological age was positively correlated with the amount of brood (open and closed cells) in the apiary with low Varroa pressure, and negatively correlated with Varroa infestation level in the apiary with high Varroa pressure. Altogether, these results show that the estimation of biological age is a useful and effective method for assessing colony demographic state and likely detrimental effects of stress factors.

Smart Bee Feeder Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Smart Bee Feeder market size reached USD 312 million in 2024, demonstrating robust momentum driven by technological advancements and increasing awareness around sustainable beekeeping practices. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size expected to reach USD 902 million by 2033. This remarkable expansion is primarily fueled by a combination of rising concerns over bee population decline, the adoption of precision agriculture, and the integration of IoT and smart technologies in apiculture.

The growth of the Smart Bee Feeder market is largely attributable to the global movement towards sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The decline in bee populations due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change has raised alarms across both governmental and private sectors. As a result, there is a heightened demand for smart solutions that can optimize bee health and hive productivity. Smart bee feeders, equipped with automated feeding, real-time monitoring, and environmental sensors, enable beekeepers to proactively manage hive nutrition and well-being. These technological innovations not only reduce manual labor but also enhance hive survival rates, making them indispensable tools in modern apiculture.

Another significant growth driver is the rapid adoption of IoT and data-driven technologies across the agriculture sector. The integration of wireless connectivity, cloud-based data analytics, and sensor networks into smart bee feeders has revolutionized hive management. Beekeepers now have access to real-time data on hive conditions, temperature, humidity, and feeding patterns, allowing for data-informed interventions. This trend is particularly pronounced among commercial beekeepers who manage large-scale operations and require scalable, efficient solutions to ensure optimal hive performance. The ability to remotely monitor and automate feeding routines not only increases operational efficiency but also aligns with broader trends in precision agriculture and smart farming.

Supportive government initiatives and research investments further contribute to the market’s expansion. Many countries, recognizing the ecological and economic importance of pollinators, have introduced subsidies, grants, and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable beekeeping practices. Research and development activities, often in collaboration with universities and agricultural institutes, are fostering innovation in smart bee feeder technology. This includes the development of solar-powered feeders, advanced sensor systems, and AI-driven analytics platforms. These initiatives not only accelerate product innovation but also facilitate the adoption of smart bee feeders among both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.

Regionally, North America and Europe continue to dominate the Smart Bee Feeder market due to their advanced agricultural infrastructure, high awareness of pollinator decline, and strong presence of technology providers. However, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, propelled by the expansion of commercial beekeeping industries in China, India, and Australia, and increasing investments in smart agricultural technologies. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also emerging as promising markets, driven by growing interest in sustainable farming and government-led pollinator protection initiatives. Collectively, these regional developments underscore the global nature of the market and its pivotal role in supporting sustainable food production systems.

Product Type Analysis

The Smart Bee Feeder market is segmented by product type into Solar-Powered Smart Bee Feeders, Automatic Smart Bee Feeders, Sensor-Based Smart Bee Feeders, and Others. Solar-powered smart bee feeders are gaining significant traction, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight and limited access to conventional power sources. These feede