The world’s first DNA-tested honey leaves from Estonia to Japan
This spring, the news broke that Estonian honey had received a DNA test created by local scientists that is unique in the world, which helps to reduce fraud in the industry, protects the interests of consumers and producers and helps to realise the export potential of pure Estonian honey. Today, the first DNA-tested batch of honey from the Viljandimaa-based honey producer Nordmel is on its way to Japan.
According to studies published by the European Commission in the spring of 2023, as much as 46 percent of imported honey was suspected of containing syrup, and 147 out of 320 samples taken were suspected of not meeting the requirements of the EU Honey Directive.
Tsubasa Yoshito, Japan Market Project Manager at the Foundation for Enterprise and Innovation (EIS), said. Japan sells around 47 000 tonnes of honey a year, of which 45 000 tonnes are imported. 71% of imported honey comes from China. “Honey fraud is a growing problem, with fake and imported honey being sold as genuine and domestic. The introduction of DNA-tested honey would increase consumer suspicion of untested honey, setting the stage for more high-quality honey to enter the market. Nordmel has proven that, if a company is well prepared, makes the necessary investments and uses unique technology, market entry is possible even in the current difficult environment of high production costs and a weak yen.”
