What is the Supply Network Structure for Chinese Honey?

China is the leading global honey producer with around 300K commercial beekeepers. Official data shows that there had been over 35,000 hives of bees in Jingyuan by the end of 2021, with an annual yield of 300,000 kg of honey worth more than 50 million yuan (US$7.5 million).Most beekeepers in the country live itinerant lives moving their migratory honey bees around China looking for nectar.

Most commercial honey undergoes a process of extensive processing. Initially, honey processors heat the sweet substance to 120 degrees, and then up to 165 degrees. Following the heating process, the honey is cooled before bottling.

The supply chain for Chinese honey is susceptible to fraudulent activity, as honey is one of the most faked products globally due to its unique production process. This fraudulent activity includes selling multiflora honey as single source honey at an elevated price, with additional syrups to increase sweetness, and utilising synthetic evaporation methods.