Honey bees face summer energy challenges amid calls for better product traceability

New research and consumer guidance highlight challenges facing honey bee populations and the honey market. A study from the University of Sussex, published in Functional Ecology, reveals that honey bees face a significant energy deficit during the late summer. By tracking bees in Brighton and Edinburgh, researchers found that during the second half of July and throughout August, the energy bees expend foraging often outweighs the energy they gain from nectar.

In the commercial sector, EUBeeLovers emphasizes the importance of traceability for consumers. In Belgium, domestic honey production meets only about 30% of local demand. To avoid products with misleading ‘local’ or ‘artisanal’ labels, experts recommend checking labels for clear origin and adherence to European production standards, which ensure variety in flavor and texture through recognized beekeeping expertise.