Investing in the African apiculture sector
Miitt Pandoliker, CEO of Luano Honey joins CNBC Africa to share his insights into the challenges and opportunities of scaling honey production for both local consumption and international markets.
Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:34:12 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- African honey industry faces challenges in meeting international standards and accessing export markets due to trade barriers and stringent requirements
- Investments in modernizing beekeeping practices and infrastructure are crucial for scaling up local honey production for foreign markets
- Growing interest in African honey products highlights the need for collaborative efforts to promote the continent's unique offerings and overcome trade obstacles
The African apiculture sector holds immense potential in the global market, with a growing demand for real quality honey. Miitt Pandoliker, the CEO of Luano Honey, shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Pandoliker emphasized the significant market gap for authentic honey due to the prevalence of fake products in the global market. He highlighted Africa's advantage in beekeeping practices and the abundance of honey in forest regions, making it a prime region for exporting quality honey to meet international demands. However, scaling up local honey production for foreign markets requires investments in modernizing beekeeping practices and ensuring compliance with international standards. Pandoliker stressed the importance of programs promoting investments in better beehives, training for beekeepers, and the adoption of new technologies to increase production volumes. In Zambia, a key challenge lies in the oversupply of honey and the lack of access to export markets due to trade barriers and stringent requirements. South Africa, a major regional trade partner, has imposed regulations that hinder Zambian honey exports, forcing producers to meet costly irradiation requirements. Despite facing barriers in key markets, African countries are gradually expanding their honey consumption and value addition efforts. The industry is witnessing innovative products like honey-infused sauces and spreads gaining popularity, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luano Honey has established its presence in major markets such as the United States, with plans to expand into Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, the company supplies honey to regional markets in Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The growing interest in African honey underscores the need for collaborative efforts to overcome trade barriers and promote the continent's unique honey products on a global scale.