In a message dated 12/14/03 11:12:25 PM GMT Standard Time, 
[log in to unmask] writes:


> 
> In UK, the ration of retail sugar cost to retail honey price is nearer 12
> than 3 to 4 - sugar is around  0.25GBP per lb in the supermarkest and local
> (raw) honey can be sold for £3 (but say £2.50 off a stall at the local
> farmers market).

This is incorrect, but only because you are using a completely different 
yardstick to George. Their sugar is generally cheaper than ours, and the retail 
point of the honey is similarly a bit below ours. However, if you use a similar 
measure, bulk value (and you have to, because to incorporate the packing cost 
and retail margin into the price of the honey distorts the figures), the 
results are entirely different.

Current bulk rates for sugar in the UK are over GBP 700 per tonne (delivered 
home, in bulk packs ready to use). If you are prepared to spend hours going to 
the supermarket, collecting, then emptying 1 kilo bags (and not give that 
time or effort any value) you CAN get sugar for the region of 550 per tonne.

However, the true price is nearer to 35p a pound than 25p if you want sacks 
or bulk rather than loss leader retail packs.

Outwith specialities, current *bulk* price for blossom honey in this country 
is about 135p, up to 150p for some localities. You can occasionally get a 
little more if you have a specialised niche to work in, and of course this rate 
does not apply to speciality varieties such as heather.

These figures are not inconsistent with Georges version.  (4 x 35p = 140p)


> 
> Does ivy yield in quantity elsewhere than UK?

No ivy flow whatsoever up here. Flowers, and they get a bit of pollen, but 
nothing more. Heather honey is also a poor winter feed due to its high protein 
content. You can get away with it more years than not, but then you get some 
years with long flightless periods, and all that is left are dysentry victims. 
Syrup ( we use pre made product from Europe) is a nice clean feed which does 
not fill the gut with waste as heather honey does. It is an important management 
issue to remove excess heather stores, even from the broodnest area.

Murray

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