In March 2023, the European Commission found that 46% of products sampled (including all 10 samples from the UK) were suspected to be fake, meaning they were most likely packaged with cheaper sugar syrups.

In August this year, scientists at Cranfield University said they had found a way to detect fake honey products without opening the jar.

Project leader Dr. Anastasiadi said: “Our study showed that this is a sensitive, reliable and robust way to verify the origin of syrups and detect adulteration.

“Having this consistent technique in the testing room can ease the pain of honey fraud.”

It’s too early to make any promises for the World Beekeeping Awards at the 2025 Congress, but Apimondia said he still plans to celebrate honey in many ways.

“Starting in Copenhagen, we will try to celebrate honey by promoting regional honeys through a ‘honey map'”.

It is claimed that this map will allow beekeepers, scientists and interested parties to “discover the unique flavors of Scandinavian honey”. Discover how the (unique) geographical and climatic conditions in Scandinavia affect the taste of honey and learn the stories behind the honey ((this) region.”

Jeff Pettis, the federation’s president, said they “continue to fight for improved testing” and want “the public to know that local honey is much less likely to be adulterated.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “We take all forms of food fraud very seriously. “We work closely with enforcement authorities to ensure that honey sold in the UK is not adulterated, meets our high standards and maintains a level playing field between honey producers.”