http://www.skamberg.com/honey.htm *July 2009* Raw honey prices are still very firm and may actually increase with the onset of the U.S. crop should buying activity be heavy. Although there is still no surplus, overall world raw honey supply is pretty good right now, but there is not a lot of favorably priced honey, with China being the exception. U.S.A. - The California crop is shorter than last year's poor crop, with darker honey. The Southern honey crop is shorter than last year's crop, and prices have been strong. Conditions in the Upper Midwest (which produces most of the honey in the U.S.) is looking pretty good, but still needs more warm weather to produce a good honey crop. The crop will be later than last year which usually equates to a smaller crop. Overall, we expect a good U.S. crop, but probably smaller than the 2008 crop. Canada - The weather has been very cool and wet in Canada. It looks like their crop will be short. Canadian honey prices usually parallel U.S. prices and may even be higher this year if the crop is very short. South America - This year's very poor crop in Argentina is virtually sold. Brazil, which produces almost year round, still has honey, but as Europe competes more and more for that honey, those prices continue to increase. India - Last year's crop is virtually sold out, waiting for the new crop. Demand will be high, and prices will be strong, but should be lower than U.S., Canada, or South American honey. Viet Nam - Usually a good source for favorably priced legitimate light amber honey, they had a very poor crop and what is available is now higher priced. China - Last year's crop was very poor, and much of that honey was sold through 3rd countries or sold as honey syrup to avoid duties. Europe is buying more Chinese honey. Still highly suspect for contamination and adulteration, Chinese honey will be less expensive than other countries legitimate honey. Ukraine - Getting more honey into the market. Much of this honey is being bought by Europe and some of this honey is highly suspect as being circumvented Chinese honey. Mongolia - Like the Ukraine, they are getting more honey into the market, and much of this honey is highly suspect as being circumvented from China. -- Juanse Barros J. APIZUR S.A. Carrera 695 Gorbea - CHILE +56-45-271693 08-3613310 http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/ [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html