Serbia experienced a 35% loss of bee colonies this year, with climate change identified as the main threat to pollinators. The hardest-hit region is Vojvodina, where some beekeepers lost up to 90% of their hives, leading to a predicted drop in honey yields—especially acacia honey, with linden and sunflower honey expected to fare slightly better.
Beyond environmental challenges, beekeepers face a severe crisis due to widespread honey counterfeiting. The Association of Beekeeping Organizations of Serbia estimates that up to 80% of honey sold in stores is counterfeit, compounded by increasing imports of low-quality, untested honey. This unfair competition depresses prices and threatens domestic producers’ survival.
Beekeepers call for stronger market controls and a total ban on counterfeit honey sales, arguing that this is crucial for reviving Serbia’s beekeeping sector. They warn that many beekeepers are losing motivation, reducing hive relocations, or leaving the profession altogether due to low prices caused by fake products flooding the market.
The president of the Association highlighted that sophisticated counterfeit honey often passes modern laboratory tests, including those in Europe. Serbia’s only lab capable of detecting fakes was rendered ineffective after equipment theft and halted inspections. The Association plans to file criminal complaints and urges that honey adulteration be made a criminal offense with strict penalties.
On a more positive note, veterinary expert Jevrosima Stevanović points out that losses vary by region and that some beekeepers have had successful seasons with no hive losses. She emphasizes the importance of buying honey directly from trusted beekeepers, as low-price-driven public tenders may encourage counterfeit products.
