A follow up study which tracked purchase packages found

We evaluated several economically important traits in first-year colonies established from packages from six package-types of honey bees. Our sample was not exhaustive, and each trait we studied could be evaluated in more detail with a broader array of producers; however, patterns in colony performance did emerge. Overall, our assays of apicultural traits in six package- types did not reveal any clear connection between expectations (marketing claims) and performance.

Although we did not explicitly quantify defensive behavior, it seemed to all five individuals involved in managing the project that there was considerable difference among package-types with respect to this trait. Indeed, behavior was so markedly different among sources that we screened all of the colonies using mitochondrial DNA to determine whether any colonies were of maternal African descent. (they don't come right out and say it, but ... )

"Evaluation of apicultural characteristics of first-year colonies initiated from packaged honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)." Journal of economic entomology 102.2 (2009): 485-492.

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