CaSCA Webinar: Marketing and Finding Markets for Bee Products 

Meeting summary

Quick recap - Bee Farming and Marketing Strategies
Kevin shared his experience as a bee farmer in Suffolk, discussing marketing strategies for bee products. He emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond honey, including beeswax, queens, and other hive products, to mitigate risks and increase sales. Kevin highlighted the value of eye-catching labels, multiple product offerings, and strategic marketing channels such as dairies and tourist destinations. He advised new beekeepers to consider their time and financial return when deciding on additional products or services, and to focus on markets that align with their interests and skills.

Honey Selling and Storage Advice
Kevin advised to start selling honey at local shops rather than directly from the garden gate, noting that selling in small quantities regularly could be more beneficial than selling all honey at once. Judith inquired about storing and heating honey, and Kevin suggested storing it in a dark room at 10 degrees Celsius and heating it to a minimum temperature for a short time while stirring to prevent crystallisation. Judith also asked about selling honey to hotels, and Kevin shared his experience of selling honey by the bucket to high-end hotels at a higher price than jar prices.

Honey Sales and Regulations Discussion
The group discussed selling honey products, with Kevin explaining his strategy of selling bulk honey in 15 pound buckets rather than 30 pound buckets at £8 per pound. Judith mentioned the popularity of hot honey, and Kevin warned about the need to follow food standards regulations and noted that BBBA insurance might not cover such products. Anne shared that in Wales, micro-businesses can get nutritional testing and labeling done for free through Food Wales, while Victoria asked about pricing for selling bees and queens, prompting a suggestion to look at local associations for guidance.

Nucleus Colony Pricing and Standards
The group discussed the pricing and selling of nucleus colonies, with Kevin and Roger providing guidance on market rates and standards. They agreed that a consistent product quality, such as the BBK standard of 3 frames of brood and 2 frames of food, could command higher prices. Victoria mentioned her chemical-free colonies as a potential selling point, though Kevin advised being careful about making specific health claims. The discussion concluded with a note about a future topic on producing nucleus colonies and queens, and Roger mentioned his experience as an auctioneer at the West Sussex Auction.

Bee Product Sales and Services
The group discussed various aspects of selling bee products and providing beekeeping services. Roger shared information about selling nucleus colonies, noting that it can be a good way to change queens and manage swarming. Kevin and Victoria discussed the demand for bee products in Cambridgeshire, with Kevin mentioning that many beekeepers prefer bees free of foulbrood. Alison shared her experience selling infused honey at markets, emphasizing the importance of not competing with other local beekeepers and the value of personal interaction with customers. The group also discussed the pros and cons of having a website for honey sales, with Kevin suggesting that social media platforms like Instagram might be more effective. Karl shared his approach to teaching beekeeping through a two-year program involving regular visits and guidance for new beekeepers. The conversation ended with a discussion about insurance coverage for beekeeping activities, with Karl and Kevin providing some guidance on insurance options for different scenarios.