From where comes popular, golden yellow cream, it is frequently hard to determine: there are only vague descriptions on jars. However, supermarket customers will shortly be able to learn more. It is available in a ‘soft and liquid’ or ‘cream and lubricant’ version: any properties of honey are clearly given on jars. However, as far as origin is concerned, labels frequently indicate only: “Country town EU and outside the EU’. Under the European Directive, specified unclear information must shortly be clarified and the countries of origin will be determined on the basis of the percent by weight. The national Ministry of Food and Agriculture is presently implementing the regulation at national level. Consumer spokespersons welcome this as late and call for additional mandatory origin information.
Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) said the German Press Agency: “With precise designation of origin, it is clear where each jar of honey comes from. This is the transparency we need." Clear labelling for consumers ensures fair competition and facilitates the choice of national products.
Previous sign “for aliens”?
In general, the country of origin must be given as provided for in the EU Directive. However, if the jar comes from many countries, the information may besides be general for the full honey mix: from 27 EU countries, from ‘non-EU countries’ around the world, or even ‘mixes of honey from EU and non-EU countries’.
Consumer organisation Foodwatch He has long complained: “This kind of marking may interest extraterrestrials.” It says nothing more than “The Origin: Planet Earth”. A small more detailed are statements specified as “from Latin America” or “Chile, Guatemala and Uruguay”.
However, as the ministry spokesperson explained, compulsory marking of the country of origin for mixtures is now being introduced. Countries must be listed in descending order by their share, together with a percent by weight. A single country of origin must proceed to be marked with no percent of the value, specified as ‘Mead from Germany It’s okay. ”
The fresh rules will apply from mid-2026.
The Directive, adopted at EU level in 2024, must be implemented into German law by 14 December. The fresh regulations are due to enter into force on 14 June 2026. The following rules apply: ‘Products manufactured, bottled and labelled in accordance with the erstwhile specifications may besides be sold after the expiry of the term’, explained the ministry’s spokesperson. This gives businesses a 24-month transitional period.
Foodwatch's managing director, Chris Methmann, commented on the fresh rules: "Transparent designation of honey origin is late". Consumers want to know where their food comes from. "Whether it is honey or any another product: information on the origin of the main ingredients should be mandatory on all food packages". There must be consistent control mechanisms to prevent ‘honey falsification’, specified as sugar syrup.
Germany is simply a country importing honey
Another reason why honey blends are popular is that home production mostly does not meet demand. According to the Ministry of Agriculture data, the level of self-sufficiency decreased last year by 5 percent points to 37%. The imports totalled 72 600 tonnes. The most crucial countries of origin in terms of volume were Ukraine (22%), Argentina (14%), Romania and Mexico (7%).
According to manufacture sources, mixing honeys from different sources guarantees a product of reliable taste, consistency and quality. However, the Association of Importers and Honey Spreaders explained that new, more precise labelling has nothing to do with quality at all. "In the end, bees always produce honey – regardless of national boundaries".
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