The honey and beeswax market in the EU

The latest Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) Market Survey covers the EU market for honey and beeswax, and with greater information about the markets of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and the UK. The following issues are discussed:

· The EU consumes approximately 22% of the world’s traded honey production. EU honey consumption is increasing slightly. Fluctuations in consumption have been caused by imports of honey contaminated with substances prohibited by the EU.

· Utilisation of beeswax is increasing at a slow rate.

· The EU produces around 50% of the honey and beeswax it uses, with the remainder imported. Recently South American countries supply the majority of EU honey imports, with Chinese supplies recovering from the consequences of the ban imposed in 2002.

· China has consolidated its dominant position regarding EU imports of beeswax.

· Honey reaches retailers through importers and packers, who often blend honey to make cheap and acceptable table honey.

· Importers of beeswax, and agents acting on behalf of beeswax traders, often mediate between exporters of beeswax and refiners in the EU.

This useful document gives October 2006 EU import prices of honey and beeswax, and provides essential market information for traders of honey and beeswax in developing countries who aim to gain access to EU markets. Free to download at www.cbi.nl

This information was first announced in Bees for Development Journal. Keep up to date - subscribe today

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