Balparmak, Which Exports Turkish Honey to 43 Countries, Ranks First in Exports

Balparmak, Turkey's leading honey brand, has been awarded first place in "Honey Exports Abroad" by the Istanbul Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association for its outstanding performance in honey exports during 2024.

In addition to China, the world leader in honey production in 2024, the brand has added countries such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar and Kuwait to its export network, and continues its global growth through new partnerships in these markets.

Balparmak, which contributes to Turkey's expertise in honey and other bee products through new analysis methods developed at its R&D Center, is pioneering the global recognition of pine honey, which is characteristic of Turkey.

The global honey market has reached USD 9.5 billion with 1.8 million tons of production. While the market is expected to exceed USD 14 billion in 2031 at an accelerated growth rate, Turkey, the world's second-largest honey producer, continues its upward trend in honey and other bee product exports. According to official data, our country, with approximately 9.3 million bee colonies and 114 thousand tons of honey production, obtained approximately USD 32 million in foreign exchange from honey exports.

Balparmak, Turkey's leading honey brand, has expanded its export network last year by developing new analysis methods that have ensured natural Turkish honey is recognized worldwide, and has entered markets in China, the leader in honey production, as well as Hong Kong, South Korea, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the United States.

Balparmak: The Star of Turkish Honey in Global Markets
Balparmak, Turkey's leading honey brand, continues to be the brand ambassador of Turkish honey in the world by working in line with sustainable production principles and drawing inspiration from nature. Once again proving its pioneering role with its 2024 export success, the brand was recognized as the leading exporter in the honey category in the 2024 export performance evaluation conducted by the Istanbul Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association (İSHİB), which operates within the Turkish Exporters Assembly. At the award ceremony held at the Turkish Exporters Council headquarters with the participation of Turkish Exporters Council (TİM) President and senior officials, the award was presented to Balparmak General Manager Ulaş Altıparmak by İSHİB President Müjdat Sezer.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Altıparmak emphasized that the company has recorded growth in overseas markets not only in honey but also in value-added bee products such as propolis, royal jelly and pollen, stating, "We are bringing Turkey's natural honey wealth and R&D strength to the world. We are expanding our category with innovative products in bee products; we are offering our consumers supplementary solutions with different functional properties."

Altıparmak continued: "Today, I feel greatly honored that our efforts to bring honey, one of our country's natural treasures, to every corner of the world are recognized. I sincerely thank İSHİB for this meaningful award. Being recognized as the company that reached the highest volume in Turkey's honey exports in 2024 is not only a source of pride for us; it is also an important milestone that increases our responsibility. While delivering our natural and high-quality products to 43 countries, we set out with the goal of increasing the global recognition of Turkish honey in the world market. The successes we have achieved in markets such as Germany, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, America, the United Kingdom and Qatar are a concrete reflection of this vision. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Balparmak family, our business partners and our consumers who have always trusted us. We are committed to continuing to introduce Turkey's honey to the world and write many more success stories."

Balparmak Takes Its Place on TJ Mall, China's Largest E-Commerce Platform
Balparmak General Manager Ulaş Altıparmak noted that they have started selling products on TJ Mall, one of China's largest e-commerce platforms, stating, "Our efforts to enter new markets continue unabated. Last year we launched our Apitera Spray Kids and Adults products in Hong Kong. In January 2025, Balparmak honey took its place on shelves. We also entered the market in South Korea with our Apitera series. We introduced Apitera Zen, Up and Mind products to South Korean consumers. This step was an important milestone for our brand's global growth target."

Altıparmak also emphasized the international growth vision of Balparmak's wellness brand Apitera. Altıparmak said, "For 2026, we are targeting growth especially in Europe and the Middle East with our Apitera-branded products. Establishing partnerships with national retail chains in Europe and developing strategic partnerships in selected countries in the Middle East are among our priorities."

Expansion Continues in Europe and North America
Altıparmak explained that Balparmak products have been brought to consumers through agreements made in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany, and noted that the company is preparing to distribute to local stores in the United States and to approximately 300 points in Toronto, Canada. Altıparmak continued:

"Thus we will strengthen our presence in North America. In Europe, we have started shipments to neighboring countries Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. We are quite active as a brand in Azerbaijan. In Jordan and Yemen, our products are in approximately 400 pharmacies and airport stores. In Qatar, our products are listed in Al Meera markets. As of 2025, we will also be present in major retail chains such as Lulu, Carrefour, Al Meera and Monoprix. In Kuwait, agreements have been secured for listing in Lulu markets. These developments are an indication that Balparmak's global growth strategy is being realized with steady steps."

2025 Target: Accelerating Global Expansion
Altıparmak, emphasizing that they aim to expand their export map further in 2025, provided the following information on this matter:

"Our work continues toward major markets such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Amazon in the United States. Thanks to the analysis methods we developed at Balparmak's R&D Center, our credibility and recognition have increased worldwide. The new C4 analysis method we developed through intense work lasting four years at our Balparmak R&D center has changed Europe's view of Turkish pine honey. Pine honey, which is produced intensively in the Muğla, Aydın and Marmaris regions, is receiving great interest abroad. To date, we have invested over USD 10 million in our R&D Center.

Starting from the finding that pine honey, a honeydew honey, cannot be examined using flower honey analysis methods, the new C4 analysis method specifically developed by Balparmak's R&D Center for pine honey was published in international peer-reviewed journals and gained acceptance by laboratories worldwide. This method, an important tool in combating counterfeit and adulteration of honey, has the potential to increase Turkey's pine honey exports by approximately 30 percent. The new C4 analysis method has been formalized by being included in TSE standards and has opened the doors to a new era in the export of Turkish Pine Honey, which accounts for 92 percent of world pine honey production. As Balparmak, we continue to deliver our natural products to every corner of the world. The successes we have achieved on the international stage on behalf of our country not only increase our strength in global markets but also pave the way for our entry into new markets."