2024-11-18 23:26:00
Since the beginning of the war, honey exports from Ukraine have not weakened, on the contrary. They persist and cause concern even among European producers. Because Ukraine is an important honey supplier to the European Union.
The European Union (EU) imports on average 49,000 tonnes of Ukrainian honey per year. The country is an important supplier to Europe: its sunflower honey is particularly sought after for honey production” all the flowers » as well as the creamiest honeys.
At the outbreak of the war the question immediately arose: how to do without this honey if exports stopped. But very quickly the answer came: the war did not affect the volumes sold in Europe. “ There is still a lot of honey coming from Ukraine » confirms an expert in the sector.
So much so that some are starting to doubt and wonder if it isn’t honey. Ukrainians »: that is, Asian honey, and in particular Chinese honey, which would transit through Ukraine to change labels, that of Ukrainian honey which has a decidedly better reputation in Europe. In terms of volumes it would be possible: the Middle Kingdom is the largest honey producer in the world.
Emergency brake activated for Ukrainian honey
The concern about the origin, but also about the volumes, is such that operators in the sector have requested the implementation of an emergency brake. The same applies to six other raw materials exported from Ukraine: eggs, poultry, sugar, oats, corn and semolina. European customs duties are suspended on these products, but reintroduced above a certain volume.
The duty-free volume has been set for 2024, for honey, just over 44,417 tonnes, reached since August, demonstrating the dynamism of exports. Ukrainian honey will then be taxed again until the end of the year.
French production down by a quarter?
The concern is expressed above all in France, where the harvests of the last two years have been quite good, explains Eric Lelong, president of the interprofessional association InterApi and president of the FNSEA beekeeping commission. Beekeepers found themselves at the end of 2023 with unsold goods and falling prices.
This autumn the trend has reversed: prices have increased due to a reduction in production in France, as well as in Finland and Slovenia, according to the Abeilles et Fleurs magazine of October 2024. The latest estimates transmitted by InterApi report a production that could decrease this year in France by 27%, i.e. less than the 40% announced at the beginning of October by the beekeepers’ union Unaf.
What are the key factors contributing to the growth of Ukrainian honey exports during the war in Ukraine?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Honey Export Expert
Time.news Editor (T.N.E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a surprising trend in the honey market, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Joining us is Dr. Elena Voronov, an expert in apiculture and honey trade. Thank you for being here, Dr. Voronov.
Dr. Voronov (D.V.): Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss this intriguing topic.
T.N.E: Since the onset of the war, we’ve seen that Ukrainian honey exports have not only remained stable, but they’ve actually continued to grow. That’s quite remarkable, isn’t it?
D.V.: Absolutely! It’s surprising to many, especially considering the chaos and uncertainty brought by the war. Ukraine has historically been a significant supplier of honey to the European Union, providing around 49,000 tonnes annually. The resilience of this market is truly impressive.
T.N.E: What makes Ukrainian honey so desirable, particularly in Europe?
D.V.: Ukrainian honey, especially sunflower honey, stands out due to its unique flavor and purity. Additionally, it’s known for its rich nutritional profile, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. The method of production in Ukraine also follows traditional practices, which many European buyers prefer.
T.N.E: Given the ongoing conflict, were there initial concerns regarding the continuity of these exports?
D.V.: Certainly. At the outbreak of the war, many industry players worried about supply disruptions. However, it quickly became evident that exports weren’t significantly affected. Ukrainian beekeepers adapted rapidly, ensuring that their production lines remained effective.
T.N.E: Interesting! There’s also talk about some European producers expressing concerns over the authenticity of the honey coming from Ukraine. Can you elaborate on that?
D.V.: Yes, there’s been a growing suspicion that not all honey labeled as Ukrainian is genuinely sourced from Ukraine. There are claims that some honey might be mixed with Chinese honey and rebranded as Ukrainian to take advantage of its reputation. This situation has raised red flags among certain stakeholders in the EU.
T.N.E: That certainly poses a challenge. What are industry operators doing in response to these concerns regarding origins and volumes?
D.V.: There have been calls from various operators within the sector to implement regulatory checks—essentially an “emergency brake” on imports to ensure that what’s being sold is indeed authentic Ukrainian honey. This is crucial not just for consumer trust, but also for protecting genuine Ukrainian producers.
T.N.E: It seems necessary for maintaining the integrity of the market. How do you see the situation evolving in the coming months?
D.V.: It’s hard to predict, given the instability of the region. However, if Ukrainian producers can continue to meet European demand while navigating these challenges, they could reinforce their position in the market. On the other hand, the scrutiny over authenticity could lead to stricter import regulations, which might reshape the trade dynamics significantly.
T.N.E: Thank you, Dr. Voronov, for this enlightening discussion. It’s clear that despite the challenges, the resilience of the Ukrainian honey sector is noteworthy, and how Europe responds will be interesting to watch.
D.V.: Thank you for having me! It’s important to keep an eye on these developments in the honey marketplace.
T.N.E: Absolutely! We appreciate your insights and look forward to seeing how this story unfolds.