The rules that define honey
- In the EU, Directive 2001/110/EC sets what can be sold as honey and its composition criteria.
- The directive as amended by Directive (EU) 2024/1438 tightens origin labelling of honey blends; check when it applies in your market.
- Honey must not have anything added or removed, including pollen, except in specific defined cases.
Quality parameters to specify
Agree these parameters in the contract and name the laboratory or method used.
- Moisture: generally no more than 20% for most honeys.
- HMF (an indicator of heating and age): generally no more than 40 mg/kg.
- Diastase activity, sugars and conductivity.
- Pollen analysis for botanical and geographical origin, for example orange blossom, rosemary or multifloral.
Authenticity
Adulteration with syrups is a known risk in the honey trade. Testing methods vary in what they detect, and no single test catches everything. For larger orders, consider an independent test of the delivered lot by an accredited laboratory, and keep a reference sample.
Packaging and formats
- Steel drums, often of around 300 kg, lined with food-grade lacquer.
- IBCs for larger volumes.
- Jars and food-service formats when buying packed or private label honey.
Documents
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Certificate of analysis for the lot.
- Certificate of origin and, where relevant, health or veterinary documents required for the destination.
- Organic certificate if sold as organic.
Monofloral and multifloral honey
Monofloral honey, such as orange blossom, rosemary or eucalyptus, comes mainly from one plant source and is identified through pollen analysis together with sensory and physico-chemical tests. Multifloral honey comes from several sources. If you buy a named variety, agree the analysis that proves it, because prices differ between varieties.
Planning around the harvest
Honey production depends on flowering and weather, and volumes of a given variety change from year to year. Buyers with regular needs often agree supply over the season, with lots approved one by one against the agreed analysis. Ask the supplier when the new harvest becomes available and how long stock from the previous one will last.
Comparing offers
Compare honey of the same type and origin, with the same analysis parameters, packaging and Incoterm. A lower price with a different origin, no lot analysis or unclear packaging is not a like-for-like comparison.
Labelling when you repack
If you jar bulk honey under your own brand, you become responsible for the label, including the origin statement. Keep the supplier’s origin documents for each lot so the label can be backed up.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying on price alone in a market where adulteration is a known risk.
- Accepting an analysis that is not for the lot delivered.
- Not agreeing the testing method and laboratory before shipment.
- Overlooking origin labelling rules for blends.
Checklist before you order
- Honey type, origin and texture specified.
- Moisture, HMF and other parameters agreed with test methods.
- Lot analysis received; independent testing considered.
- Drum or IBC type, lining and pallet agreed.
- Origin documents and any health certificates confirmed.
- Incoterm, payment terms and documents in writing.
Working with Kestrade
Tell us the type of honey, origin, volume, packaging and destination. We look for beekeepers and packers who can document all of it, check their registration and certificates, and present one offer. Samples and independent testing can be arranged.