adminTinashe Nhari Business Reporter
The price of locally produced honey has risen considerably in the Zimbabwean market, forcing experts to say that it is too high compared to other prices on the international market. “When importing honey from neighbouring SADC nations a 300 gram bottle costs $2,65 or less, but the price of honey in Zimbabwe for the same bottle may go for about $3 to $5 as honey producers seek to recover their production costs,” says Mr Smith Nyatsande, an Agricultural extension specialist in the Ministry of Agriculture.
However, bee-keepers themselves are saying considering all that they do to produce the honey, this price is justified and they will continue to peg honey at these prices to support their livelihoods
The market price for honey has been set at a minimum of $3 but some farmers are seeking up to $5 for their honey, which is a price that is considered steep.
Mr Nyatsande further said, “In the European market the same 300g bottle of honey costs a reasonable amount, with Ukraine pegging it at $1,90 for the most expensive honey.”
He said this high price would give local bee-keepers and honey farmers a problem when trying to export because, they will have to sell it for a low price to compete with other prices internationally, which is what they are trying to avoid in the first place.
He went on to say that European traders were shocked at these prices asking often asking, “What’s so special about this honey that it costs that much?”
Because of this many small scale honey farmers prefer to sell their honey locally.
Online Reporter