Assessment on the authenticity of imported honey in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is known for its tremendous variation of agro-climatic conditions and biodiversity which favored the existence of diversified honeybee flora and huge number of honeybee colonies. The word “import” is derived from the word “port,” since goods are often shipped via boat to foreign countries. Along with exports, imports form the backbone of international trade; the higher the value of imports entering a country, compared to the value of exports, the more negative that country’s trade balance. When we see the trends of import and export of honey the amount of exported honey to the global market is greater than the amount of honey imported to the country. In terms of price the average price imported and exported honey is 1.8 and 2.7USD respectively. This study has needed to investigate the legality or authenticity of the imported and locally produced honey and other beehive products. For the study three towns (Addis Ababa, Adama and Bishoftu) were selected with purposive sampling method. A total of 28 supermarkets and 12 international hotels from Addis Ababa, Adama and Bishoftu were selected randomly and 5 concerning government organizations were interviewed. The collected data’s were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics method and some figures were interpreted using graphs. It is identified that large amount honey products is imported from different countries, and used by the consumers at international hotels and supermarkets. A as per the data from ministry of trade total of ten legally registered and functionally active natural honey importers are found in the country. All the concerned respondent replay that their service typically include local origin honey namely, Tutu honey, Tadel natural honey, Ethio honey and etc and the packaging material is plastic. Except one supermarket And one international hotel (SHERTONE ADDIS AND SAFEWAY SUPERMARKET) their service include imported honey and locally produced honey with glass bottle and plastic respectively. The quality of locally produced honey and other bee-hive product quality tasted and controlled by ECA and EFMHACA. Finally the study conclude that there are honey importers in the country but the quality and safety of the imported honey is not inspected by the concerned bodies so the study recommended that Stakeholders on quality and safety institution should work together to inspect and to give the competence certificate for the imported and locally produced honey (EFMHACA, ECA & MT), Introducing market legal framework for the sector and Creating conducive environment as the packaging materials can made in the country could improve the sector performance.