Honey price to rise after low yields in Argentina

Harry Wallop, Telegraph 27 Nov 07;

The price of honey is set to soar as a result of a global shortage caused by bad weather.

Industry experts say it will mean an increase of 25 per cent, which will push a 100g pot of honey from about £1.79 to £2.24. The price rise is expected to come into force early next year.

Argentina, the biggest exporter of honey to Britain, suffered a drought earlier this year which has prevented the flowers from which bees collect pollen from blooming. The situation has been exacerbated by an unusually cold summer.

Bees would normally be gathering nectar throughout daylight hours at this time of year, which is summer in Argentina, but low temperatures in its honey-producing regions mean they are only working for three hours before returning to the hive.

This means Argentina has produced only half its usual honey yield, according to the Grocer magazine.