site.btaImport from Third Countries Causes Bulgarian Honey Production to Collapse, Says Local Producer

The producers of mann [honeydew] honey in Strandzha are expecting good harvests in 2024, said Manol Todorov, one of the main initiators of the registration of the Strandzhanski manov med Protected Designation of Origin in 2019 and founder of the local association of honey producers. However, producers predict problems with the sell of their production, he told BTA here on Thursday.

Todorov noted that the honey import from third countries in the past few years has presented serious challenges to local producers. "The import caused the Bulgarian honey production to collapse. The sector is still far away from its successful years. At the moment, the wholesale price remains the same - about BGN 3.50 to a maximum of BGN 4 per kilogram. This is a disaster," said Todorov.

Todorov expressed hope that the situation will change after the full acceptance of Bulgaria into the Schengen area. "At the moment, only about five certified farms in Strandzha produce mann honey. We have no production. There are traders who want to sell the honey abroad, but this is not allowed, as Strandzhanski manov med can be produced and packaged only in the designated geographical area," he said, adding that local beekeepers hope very soon to be able to register a second Protected Designation of Origin for Strandzha pollen.

Todorov also said that after the mild winter in the region of Tsarevo and the favourable spring weather, the bee colonies are developing well. "The bees overwintered successfully, the weather is nice. The only thing that worries us is that it hasn't rained heavily for a long time", he added. 

Todorov told BTA that the 21st edition of the Tsarevo Festival, called Kingdom of Mann Honey, will take place between August 1 and 10.