Bishkek, April 15, 2026. /Kabar/. Kyrgyz honey has been gaining increasing recognition on the global market, becoming a natural national brand that promotes the country abroad, Chairman of the Chamber of Beekeepers of the Kyrgyz Republic Sultanbek Abbasov told Kabar News Agency.
According to him, Kyrgyz honey stands out for its exceptional purity, unique taste, and rich aroma. It is also high in beneficial microelements and fully complies with international quality standards.
"In general, Kyrgyz honey is divided into two main types: white honey and mountain honey. White honey is especially highly valued on the market. It has repeatedly won prizes and gold medals at the prestigious international beekeeping congress Apimondia. In addition, white honey is hypoallergenic, making it a safe and healthy product for most consumers," Abbasov said.
He noted that mountain honey has undergone laboratory testing in Germany, which confirmed its high potassium content, making it beneficial for cardiovascular health. Its color ranges from red to dark burgundy, and it is distinguished by its unique natural properties.
“Kyrgyzstan's geographic features directly influence the quality of the product. As one of the highest countries in Central Asia, we have a huge diversity of mountain plants, and the clean air enhances the quality of the nectar collected by bees. According to official data, in 2025, the country produced over 3,000 tons of honey, of which over 600 tons were exported. Kyrgyz honey is exported to approximately 30 countries, with Uzbekistan being the largest consumer," he noted.
Abbasov emphasized that the Chamber of Beekeepers currently includes cooperatives, commercial and non-profit organizations, and associations from seven regions, as well as approximately 3,500 beekeepers. Honey processing enterprises are also operating.
"The Chamber regularly conducts training for beekeepers. For example, last year, 10 specialists exchanged experiences in Slovenia, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Five processing companies participated in an international event in Switzerland, where they presented Kyrgyz honey to representatives from 190 countries.
Furthermore, in 2024, a large-scale meeting was held with the participation of 165 beekeepers from 44 districts of the country. A new brand, ApiMount.KG, was created, under whose auspices the chamber members now work," the chairman added.
According to him, the legislative framework for the industry has been strengthened in recent years. In 2025, beekeeping was officially incorporated into the legal framework, and a corresponding regulation was adopted. Preferential lending mechanisms were launched: beekeepers can receive up to 5 million soms on a cluster basis.
The Chamber of Beekeepers closely cooperates with international associations and unions. Thanks to its high quality, the name "Kyrgyzstandyn baly" (Kyrgyz Honey) has become a recognizable mark of quality, unmatched in terms of branding in other Central Asian countries.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, honey exports in 2025 amounted to:
Uzbekistan — 303.6 tons;
China — 102 tons;
UAE — 45 tons;
Japan — 24.4 tons;
Korea — 31.9 tons;
USA — 15.2 tons;
Malaysia — 6.8 tons;
Russia — 5.6 tons;
Bahrain — 4.7 tons.
At the end of January, the European Commission authorized the export of Kyrgyz honey to the European Union, including it in the official import list. This confirms that Kyrgyzstan's quality control and certification system meets strict EU requirements, opening new market opportunities for domestic producers.