Dear Editor,
While the concern about Trinidad & Tobago’s continued refusal to lift the ban on honey has been raised within the context of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, it is also useful to put it in a commercial context for everyone’s information and guidance. Honey has the potential to be a significant revenue earner in the coming years. The global honey market was $USD 7.84 billion in 2020 and is forecast to grow from $8.17 billion in 2022 to $11.88 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.5% in forecast period, 2021- 2028. Over the past two decades, sugar and artificial sweeteners have become less desirable ingredients in food due to potential damage to health. There also continues to be a constant demand for honey for use in cosmetics, the food industry, medicine and other value-added products.
An examination of the trade data of our Latin American neighbours, particularly Argentina and Brazil, provides significant food for thought. Brazil exports 46,000 tonnes annually, while Argentina exports 76,000 tonnes. Earnings are $US70m and $US 175m respectively. This is certainly not in the class of oil and gas but significant, nonetheless. In the region Jamaican Honey production is set to reach 770 tonnes by 2026 with 40,000 hives in production. Trinidad and Tobago produces about 35 tonnes annually. Both countries appear to be currently concentrating on their domestic markets. Lack of testing facilities and the quality related requirements of the European Union among major external markets, are however noted as a significant deterrents.
All the above is to reinforce the point that there is potential in honey as an export product and significant revenue earner. As with everything else Guyana has the land and the space. If, at this stage, domestic/political matters are making it difficult for the Trinidad and Tobago government to lift the ban for entry, might it not be possible to at least facilitate honey being in transit? One would imagine that this middle ground, at least in the short to medium term, should be acceptable to all concerned parties.
Sincerely,
Lance Hinds
House of Honey
