Honey Traceability

A honey traceability system is a documented framework that tracks the movement of honey throughout the chain from beekeeper to consumer. The system relies on data being collected and stored by each participant in the chain. Each actor will have data one step forward in the chain, and one step backward in the chain, through all stages of production, processing, and distribution. It identifies where honey comes from (suppliers) and where it goes next (processors, traders, customers).

A honey traceability system can ensure honey safety and quality by swiftly isolating problems. For example, if a problem is detected in a batch of honey which is collected from a distant village, the associated data should be able to indicate where the problem originated and who must be contacted to correct it.

A fully traceable supply chain also enables verification of product origin and authenticity. This is especially important because the honey sector is much affected by honey fraud. Combatting honey fraud through honey spot testing alone is very expensive and not wholly foolproof. For many honey producers, a robust traceability system is the best way to prove honey authenticity.

Here you will find some resources to help you establish a honey traceability system at relatively low cost.