Honey

What It Is and What Export of It Means

Honey is a sweet, thick, golden liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is widely consumed for its nutritional, medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary uses. Exporting honey from Nigeria involves sourcing high-quality raw or processed honey, packaging it under hygienic and standardized conditions, and shipping it in compliance with international food safety and quality regulations.

Uses of Honey

• Culinary Use: Natural sweetener for tea, beverages, sauces, and baked goods.

• Medicinal: Treats sore throats, coughs, wounds, burns, and gastrointestinal conditions due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cosmetic: Used in skin and hair care products for moisturizing and anti-aging benefits.

• Health Supplement: Consumed as an immune booster and energy enhancer.

Forms for Export

• Raw/Unprocessed Honey (unfiltered)

• Processed/Pasteurized Honey (filtered and treated for shelf life)

• Comb Honey (honey with the wax comb)

• Flavored or Herbal Infused Honey (e.g., ginger honey, garlic honey)

Packaging for Export

• Retail Packaging: Glass or PET jars, bottles, or tubes (100g – 1kg)

• Bulk Packaging: Food-grade jerrycans (10L – 25L), drums (300kg), IBC tanks

• Labeling: Must include product name, net weight, origin, nutritional information, production/expiry dates, and batch number

• Export-Ready Standards: Leak-proof, tamper-proof, moisture-resistant, and labeled in compliance with importing country’s food labeling regulations

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

• Shelf life: 2 to 3 years if properly sealed and stored

Export Documents Required

• Certificate of Origin

• Phytosanitary Certificate

• NAFDAC Registration (for Nigerian exporters)

• Health Certificate

• Laboratory Analysis Report (to confirm absence of contaminants and antibiotics)

• Export License

• Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List

Target International Markets

• UK & EU: High demand for organic, traceable, and antibiotic-free honey.

• USA: Niche market for raw and artisanal honey with certification (e.g., USDA Organic).

• Middle East & Asia: Appreciated for health benefits, especially when infused.

• Africa & Caribbean Diaspora: Cultural and traditional uses make it a sought-after product.

Key Quality Indicators

• Moisture Content: ≤20%

• Color: Amber to dark amber depending on floral source

• Taste: Natural sweetness without fermentation

• Purity: Free from sugar syrup, additives, or preservatives

• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): ≤40 mg/kg for exported honey