Apimondia Honey Show

[Michael Palmer]

I just read that there will be no honey show in 2025. Really? Well that stinks.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Why on earth?
Wasn’t it in Copenhagen? I was going to go.

 

[smallbee]

I was going to go as well - I love Copenhagen. Could it be old news you saw Michael? It was cancelled in 2022.

They posted on FB about it only this week too:

 

[WoodenBeam]

I just read that there will be no honey show in 2025. Really? Well that stinks.

The meeting still taking place - but no Honey Show within?

 

[smallbee]

The meeting still taking place - but no Honey Show within?

Ah, you're right.

https://apimondia2025.com/?p=wba-contest

 

[Erichalfbee]

Ah, you're right.

https://apimondia2025.com/?p=wba-contest

Maybe it’s because so much adulterated honey was found last year?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Maybe it’s because so much adulterated honey was found last year?

my thoughts as well

 

[smallbee]

I understand why one would adulterate honey for mass-market sale, but it seems odd to then put that honey into a honey show. Surely the adulterated honey will not taste as good? And surely someone producing adulterated honey isn't doing it for pride in their product? Does winning a ribbon in the WBA honey show make a huge difference in the sale price that one can ask? I feel like I'm missing something.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I feel like I'm missing something.

The ‘American Bee Journal’ published an article about Apimondia 2019 in Montreal and the associated honey competition for the ‘Best Honey in the World’. All entries were lab tested and 45 percent of all entries were dis-qualified for being adulterated!
No information was given on the adulterants

 

[BeeKeyPlayer]

Ah, you're right.

https://apimondia2025.com/?p=wba-contest

I quite like the idea of tasting honey rather than just looking at it. From the above link:

THE GLOBAL HONEY BAR - Every Taste is a journey!

Join us at Apimondia 2025 in Copenhagen and set off on a delightful journey through the world of honey. At The Global Honey Bar, you’ll get the chance to savor honeys from every corner of the globe. Each Apimondia member state is invited to showcase a selection of their finest and most beloved honeys for everyone to enjoy. Participating countries will also have the exciting opportunity to host their own honey stands , sharing the unique stories and exquisite qualities of their local varieties with visitors. The Global Honey Bar promises to be a fantastic event filled with honey tastings, exploration of global honey diversity, and exciting interactions among beekeepers.

 

[JamezF]

But I've looked at my (son's) globe, and it doesn't have any corners!

James

 

[BeeKeyPlayer]

But I've looked at my (son's) globe, and it doesn't have any corners!

That's a rather narrow interpretation of 'corner'. I had a wonderful cycling holiday in south Bavaria in the 'Pfaffenwinkel' which translates as the 'priests' corner' - because there is so much evidence of religion there.

Anyway, what I really want to say is: Is nobody here excited at all that Apimondia is changing its honey show format to honey tasting? (See post #10.)

Once you've seen hundreds of rows of jars of honey at the NHS, then repeated viewings on subsequent years are a bit short of enchantment.

But to get the chance to TASTE and savour a range of honeys is a new experience every time, and what honey showing should ideally be about. Instead, what happens at honey shows the world over is that the judges get to taste the honeys, but us punters are not even allowed to touch a jar.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

But I've looked at my (son's) globe, and it doesn't have any corners!

James

two dictionary definitons of corner:

corner
/ˈkɔːnə/
noun
1.
a place or angle where two sides or edges meet.
"Jan sat at one corner of the table"
2.
a location or area, especially one regarded as secluded or remote.
"fountains are discovered in quiet corners and sleepy squares"

 

[BeeKeyPlayer]

two dictionary definitons of corner:

corner
/ˈkɔːnə/
noun
1.
a place or angle where two sides or edges meet.
"Jan sat at one corner of the table"
2.
a location or area, especially one regarded as secluded or remote.
"fountains are discovered in quiet corners and sleepy squares"

Thank you (for 2.)

I shouldn't have mentioned it. I was really hoping to hear what people thought about honey shows becoming more about tasting than looking. If they can manage it at Apimondia, it should be possible anywhere else, being smaller scale.

 

[oxnatbees]

When the 45% fake result was announced, the main test was C3/C4, ie checking if the sugars came from plants like maize which are wind pollinated. However, this test really only works with European crops. Many South American and other nectar,rich plants use the "wrong" photosynthetic chemistry, leading to false positives.

Now imagine you put your best honey in and it's declared fake. If that gets out it's a reputational hit to your brand.

This show change may be due more to many leading regional beekeepers boycotting the competition.

 

[WoodenBeam]

All well & good tasting Honey but the accolade of winning at Apimondia must be pretty darn good - a shame no Honey Show.

 

[Antipodes]

When the 45% fake result was announced, the main test was C3/C4, ie checking if the sugars came from plants like maize which are wind pollinated. However, this test really only works with European crops. Many South American and other nectar,rich plants use the "wrong" photosynthetic chemistry, leading to false positives.

Now imagine you put your best honey in and it's declared fake. If that gets out it's a reputational hit to your brand.

This show change may be due more to many leading regional beekeepers boycotting the competition.

Good point.

More information here.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X22001162

 

[elainemary]

I’ve just booked to go in September in Copenhagen. Also booked onto workshop 5 to visit an island mating station which should be v interesting. Hope you can make it.