This summer a member collecting a swarm was asked by the householder where to buy local honey, and nobody in our community group could name a seller in that area. It is a small story with a useful message: plenty of people want local honey, and they can’t always find it.
Selling honey also raises questions, and members have talked through several this year.
Working with shops
Shops can be a good outlet, but they are not always loyal to one supplier. If a shop starts stocking another local honey alongside yours, the advice from members was to talk to the shop directly rather than assume the worst. Price, jar size and reliable supply all matter to them. Some members felt a shared principle of fair dealing between local beekeepers would help, such as checking before approaching a shop that already stocks another member. It is only an idea, but it is worth a conversation.
Price it fairly
Look at what comparable honey costs in local shops, farm shops and garden centres, and ask other members what they charge. Some branded honey costs a lot more than local honey, so don’t undersell yours, especially if the money goes to a good cause.
Label it properly
Your name and contact details on the jar help customers come back, and the law requires certain information on labels. If you are unsure of the rules, check with the BBKA or your local Trading Standards office.
Be found
There are two free ways to help customers find you:
- localhoney.uk, a new directory linking the public with local honey producers
- the honey map on this website
Get in touch through our contact page if you would like help getting listed.