The Hidden Deficit Behind Italian Honey

Researchers Milena Verrascina, Antonio Giampaolo, and Concetta Cardillo analyzed 434 professional beekeeping enterprises for the 'Honey Cost' project, covering the 2023–2024 period. Their findings highlight a systemic reliance on uncompensated labor. For small farms, the total economic cost per kilogram reached €16.27 in 2024, significantly higher than the average selling price of €11.72. Even large-scale operations, which benefit from economies of scale, saw production costs of €8.84 against a lower market price of €7.43.

The Cost of Production

Migratory beekeeping, which involves moving hives to follow seasonal blooms, offers some relief by increasing yields. These farms averaged 18.6 kilograms per hive compared to 15.4 kilograms for stationary operations. Despite this efficiency, both groups frequently failed to cover their full economic costs, which include feed, transport, and packaging alongside the imputed value of family time. Family labor accounted for as much as 43% of total costs on stationary farms, creating a scenario where business survival depends on the absence of a formal wage.

While larger farms reduce their per-kilogram costs through volume, they do not necessarily guarantee higher profitability per hive. Small farms reported operating margins of €82 per hive, outperforming the €62 margin seen in larger operations. However, these figures remain misleading if they ignore the manual labor required to maintain the colonies. With climate instability and market competition from imports further tightening margins, the researchers argue that the sector requires stronger institutional support and more robust quality recognition. The integration of the 'Honey Cost' project into Italy’s official statistical system in 2026 provides a necessary foundation for tracking these economic pressures as producers attempt to balance tradition with financial viability.