São Paulo – Brazilian exports of honey in the first half of the year totalled US$ 18.2 million, which represents an increase of 70% over the same period last year. The value caused Brazil to reach the 5th position among global exporters. The figures were disclosed on Friday (12) by the Honey and Bee Farming Production Chain Sector Chamber.
According to the president at the organisation, José Gomercindo da Cunha, the main reason for the increase in sales was the return to exports to the European Union. Over the last few years, Brazil only exported to the United States. Now the target of the Sector Chamber is to maintain sales to Europe and add new markets, like Japan and the Arab countries.
Brazil is the 11th main global producer of honey, being responsible for 36,100 tonnes of the product. Rio Grande do Sul is in the first place, with 7,820 tonnes, followed by Paraná, with 7,800 tonnes.
For 2009, the expectation is for the sector to increase the consumption of honey in Brazil. "For this, we are working with the Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) and 25 states are already prepared to contribute with national promotion. The proposal is to increase per capita consumption from 100 to 120 grams," pointed out the president.
Another sector target is to reduce non-conformities in regulation of industrial inspection of the product to win more foreign markets. In Brazil, production of honey and its derivatives, like propolis, wax and jelly, are sources of family income in many regions, including the semiarid.
Currently there are 350,000 beekeepers who contribute with 16,000 direct jobs in the industrial sector and 450,000 direct jobs in the country.
*Translated by Mark Ament
