Reasonable Pricing for Small Farm Honey at Farmers Markets

Locally produced honey can be quite expensive, much more so at farmers markets than in local shops. In Switzerland, the price for honey is around 25 Swiss Francs (chf) or 28 US Dollars ($US) per 500g or 1.1 pound. However, it can cost 30-40 chf or 28-36 US Dollars ($US) per 500g at farmers markets.

Factors Influencing Honey Prices: The Beekeeper's Perspective

The price of honey is influenced by a variety of factors, including the size of the batch, the type of honey, and the market location. I sell my honey at 12 US Dollars per pound, which is similar to the price charged by grocery stores. This price is consistent with the expectation of the farmer's market customers.

Small Batch Honey and Specialty Varieties

Small batch honey typically starts at 7 Swiss Francs for a half pint, 10 for a pint, and 20 for a quart. Prices can vary depending on the type of honey and whether it includes honeycomb. Specialty honey, such as cannabis honey, is produced by bees confined to a greenhouse and starts at 90 Swiss Francs for a 2-pint jar.

Common Pricing Ranges for Small Farm Honey

For small jars ranging from half to three pounds, the prices vary. A half pound jar typically sells for at least 3.50 Swiss Francs or 3.25 US Dollars, while larger three pound jars are priced at 18.00 Swiss Francs or 16.80 US Dollars. Even smaller jars, such as 350ml, usually sell for 6 or more Swiss Francs, and specialty types can cost up to 10 Swiss Francs or 9.2 US Dollars.

The beekeeper often doubles their profit by selling in smaller quantities rather than in bulk. For example, if honey is priced at two dollars per pound in bulk, it can sell for four dollars per pound when bottled, including the cost of the container and label. This markup seems significant, but the demands of a bottled honey market can become a full-time occupation, making selling in bulk more practical for many beekeepers.

In conclusion, while the price of honey can seem high, it reflects the costs and effort involved in producing and selling it through farmers markets. The expectations and willingness of buyers to pay more for small batch, locally produced honey set the premium price.