Beekeepers: Price of a jar of Bulgarian honey may reach record high of 22 BGN

Record high price of Bulgarian honey this year. Because of the unsold produce and large quantities of imported honey from Ukraine, producers predict a price of more than BGN 20 per jar of honey.

Beekeepers in southwestern Bulgaria report high honey yields this year.

"Approximately 10, 15, 20 kg per bee colony. We even harvested honey for second time from some colonies this year," said Veneta Ifandieva - member of the Board of "United Beekeepers".

"The situation is satisfactory. The warehouses are full. Waiting for sales," said Georgi Petkov, a honey producer.

Despite the large amount of Bulgarian honey in warehouses this year, the price per jar is likely to reach a record high 22 BGN.

“It's a bit more expensive, but because of the sugar and the medicines the vet gives us, their prices have gone up. We have to use sugat and medicines for the bees, if we don't treat them, they may die," Veneta Ifandieva explained.

Images by BTA

"The price varies from a minimum cost of 10-12 to around 18-20. This is the real price - about 20 BGN. You have to take into account a lot that there is a variety of honey in nature. Many types of honey and cannot be put under a common denominator," said Georgi Petkov.

According to beekeepers' organisations, more than 650 000 tonnes of honey have been imported from Ukraine so far. They suspect that this honey is bought and resold on the Bulgarian market.

"Big producers who have 1000-2000 bee colonies, they buy it and you understand what it is about. Quality honey has 200 types of substances. In addition, propolis is the best antibiotic in the world," Ifandieva said.

Consumers are skeptical and prefer to buy honey from established producers:

"I've never bought honey from supermarkets or neighbourhood stores. I have always bought honey from private individuals. Not even from the district. I live in Blagoevgrad, I buy my honey from Vidin because there are no impurities in the tin itself. The quantity is greater, the quality is better and the price is much better," says Alexandra Dimitrova.