Bee Products Research Articles

Evaluation of Honey and Propolis Consumption Habits of Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the consumption preferences and quantities of bee products in adults and to determine change in consumption of honey and propolis during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 1217 individuals between November 2021 and March 2022. An online questionnaire was used for data collection, which included descriptive characteristics and participants' honey and propolis consumption habits. The data was analyzed using number, percentage, mean, McNemar, and Marginal Homogeneity test. Results: In this study, mean age of individuals was 26.84±10.96 years, 68.9% were male, 51.8% had a secondary education, and 73.4% had no chronic disease. It was found that honey and propolis increased among subjects during the pandemic (p<0.001). Participants consume honey and propolis because they are tasty and nutritious, strengthen immune system, and are effective in treating diseases. It was found that participants preferred filtered honey as honey type and multi-floral blossom honey (plateau) and honeydew (pine) as honey variety. Conclusion: This study is the first study with a large sample size conducted in Türkiye to determine the consumption of honey and propolis in adults during the pandemic and to evaluate the changes due to the pandemic. The results of this study show that the consumption of honey and propolis has increased during the pandemic.

Influence of Gelatin and Propolis Extract on Honey Gummy Jelly Properties: Optimization Using D-Optimal Mixture Design.

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy candy. Honey and bee products are valuable and rich sources of biologically active substances. In this study, the influence of gelatin and propolis extract on honey gummy jelly (HGJ) properties was investigated. Honey (28-32%), xylitol (13-17%), and gelatin (6-10%) were utilized to develop HGJ products by mixture design methodology. Subsequently, the optimized formulation of HGJ was fortified with 1% and 2% propolis extract to enhance its phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The variation in the ingredients significantly affected the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the HGJ. The optimized HGJ formulation consisted of honey (32%), xylitol (14%), and gelatin (7%) and exhibited 13.35 × 103 g.force of hardness, -0.56 × 103 g.sec of adhesiveness, 11.96 × 103 N.mm of gumminess, 0.58 of resilience, and a moderate acceptance score (6.7-7.5). The fortification of HGJ with propolis extract significantly increased its phytochemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of propolis extract (2%) into the HGJ was able to significantly inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The mixture of gelatin, xylitol, honey, and propolis extract can be utilized to develop a healthy gummy product with acceptable physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities.

Exploring the Chemical Constituents and Nutritive Potential of Bee Drone (Apilarnil): Emphasis on Antioxidant Properties.

A lesser-known bee product called drone brood homogenate (DBH, apilarnil) has recently attracted scientific interest for its chemical and biological properties. It contains pharmacologically active compounds that may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, fertility-enhancing, and antiviral effects. Unlike other bee products, the chemical composition of bee drone larva is poorly studied. This study analyzed the chemical compostion of apilarnil using several methods. These included liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with solid phase micro-extraction (SPME/GC-MS). Additionally, antioxidant activity of the apilarnil was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. A chemical assessment of apilarnil showed that it has 6.3±0.00, 74.67±0.10 %, 3.65±0.32 %, 8.80±1.01 %, 13.16±0.94 %, and 8.79±0.49 % of pH, moisture, total lipids, proteins, flavonoids, and carbohydrates, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis and molecular networking (GNPS) of apilarnil exhibited 44 compounds, including fatty acids, flavonoids, glycerophospholipids, alcohols, sugars, amino acids, and steroids. GC-MS detected 30 volatile compounds in apilarnil, mainly esters (24 %), ketones (23.84 %), ethers (15.05 %), alcohols (11.41 %), fatty acids (10.06), aldehydes (6.73 %), amines (5.46), and alkene (5.53 %). The antioxidant activity of apilarnil was measured using DPPH with an IC50 of 179.93±2.46 μg/ml.

Further Insights on Honey and Propolis from Gerês (Portugal) and Their Bioactivities: Unraveling the Impact of Beehive Relocation.

Propolis, a bee product, is known for its variability of chemical and bioactive profiles. However, Portuguese propolis from Gerês, normally obtained by mixing propolis from three places-Bugalho, Felgueiras and Toutelo-has shown similar chemical and biological profiles over the years. Recently, a new propolis place-Roca-was added to the apiary to replace Bugalho, lost to the 2017 wildfires, hence questioning the previously claimed constancy of Gerês propolis. To unravel to what extent the beehive relocation affected this constancy, we studied different Gerês propolis samples collected in three consecutive years (2017-2019) composed of different combinations of source places. Two honey samples, collected before (2017) and after (2018) the occurrence of the wildfire, were also investigated. Total phenolics, flavonoids and ortho-diphenols contents were determined and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated, using the DPPH assay and the agar dilution method, respectively. Although both antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were generally in the ranges usually obtained from Gerês propolis, some variations were detected for the samples, with different compositions when compared to previous years. This work reinforces the importance of the consistency of a combination of several factors for the protection and preservation of the flora near the hives, providing bee products with more constant chemical and biological profiles over the years.

Diagnostic Survey of Honeybee Diseases, Pests and Predators in Selected Districts of West Hararghe Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Darolabu, Ciro and Gemechis Districts of West Hararghe Zone with the objective of determining the occurrence and prevalence of honeybee diseases, pests and predators and their effects on honeybee colonies and bee products in selected districts of West Hararghe Zone. Three districts were purposefully selected based on their relative beekeeping potentials in highland, midland and lowland agro–ecologies. Three Kebeles from each district and ten beekeepers from each Kebeles were selected for the interview. For major honey bee diseases and pest examination, a total of 68 suspected bee colonies were sampled. Out of the total respondents, 58% and 77.4% of beekeepers replied that honeybee colonies and honey yield, respectively, were decreasing from time to time. The respondents listed a lack of bee forages, disease, pest and predators as the major constraints of beekeeping in the study area in their decreasing orders. Wax moth, honey badger and hive beetles were more commonly occurring pests and predators, while nosema and amoeba were among the important diseases. The prevalence all bee diseases and pests including nosema, amoeba, varroa mite, bee lice, wax moth, and small hive beetle, was not associated with either agro-ecology or hive type. The factors contributing for their prevalence across all agro-ecologies and hive types need further study.

Total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. armata honey and propolis produced in Bomet, Kisii and Maralal, Kenya

AbstractBackgroundBee products are gaining interest in the field of research due to their biochemical and nutritive properties. Honey bee products have been researched extensively but little has been done in regards to stingless bees. There are many species of stingless bees including Plebeina armata, which are found in the Afrotropics. They are underground nesting and produce honey, propolis, wax, pollen and bee bread. These products are known to be rich in polyphenols that comprise of flavonoids and phenolic. In our study, we analysed colorimetrically the total flavonoid, phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of honey (n = 22) and propolis (n = 25) from Bomet, Kisii and Maralal in Kenya.ResultsHoney and propolis had total flavonoid content of 12.00–22.67 mg QE/100 g and 288.15–944.76 mg QE/100 g while total phenolic content was 87.01–239.93 mg GAE/100 g and 524.14–1225.01 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. In considerations to the regions, Maralal had the highest phenolic and flavanoid content followed by Bomet and Kisii was the least. The same trend was observed in the radical scavenging activity. Except for the total flavonoid content in honey, the difference was significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe polyphenol content of both honey and propolis of P. armata are equally affected by geographical location as a result of different vegetation. They are good source of antioxidants, which can be utilized in diet due to their radical scavenging properties.

Exploring the antibiofilm effects on Escherichia coli biofilm associated with colon cancer and anticancer activities on HCT116 cell line of bee products

The association between dysbiotic microbiota biofilm and colon cancer has recently begun to attract attention. In the study, the apitherapeutic effects of bee products (honey, bee venom, royal jelly, pollen, perga and propolis) obtained from the endemic Yığılca ecotype of Apis mellifera anatoliaca were investigated. Antibiofilm activity were performed by microplate assay using crystal violet staining to measure adherent biofilm biomass of Escherichia coli capable of forming biofilms. Bee venom showed the highest inhibition effect (73.98%) at 50% concentration. Honey, perga and royal jelly reduced biofilm formation by >50% at all concentrations. The antiproliferation effect on the HCT116 colon cancer cell line was investigated with the water‑soluble tetrazolium salt‑1 assay. After 48 h of honey application at 50% concentration, cell proliferation decreased by 86.51%. The high cytotoxic effects of royal jelly and bee venom are also remarkable. Additionally, apoptotic pathway analysis was performed by ELISA using caspase 3, 8 and 9 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. All bee products induced a higher expression of caspase 9 compared with caspase 8. Natural products that upregulate caspase proteins are promising therapeutic targets for proliferative diseases.

Marketing research of honey consumer preferences in the markets of Kostanay region

Bee honey is a valuable, multicomponent unique product produced by bees from the nectar of honey plants. In the human diet, honey is an alternative to sugar and sugar-containing foods as a healthier food product.
 Within the framework of this article, a marketing study and analysis of preferences among consumers of honey and other bee products among residents of Kostanay and the region were conducted.
 Today, about 50% of honey is produced in China, Argentina, the USA, Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia. Honey exporting countries are characterized by flexible economic and organizational interaction. The main role is played by the mechanisms of legal protection and the developed infrastructure of the industry, which ensures full-fledged work, sales of products, and the receipt of foreign exchange earnings to the country's budget.
 The materials of this article contain an analysis of the types of bee products consumed, quality criteria when choosing honey, other bee products, as well as factors determining the choice of consumers. Also, the priorities of the origin of honey (apiaries) have been determined among consumers.
 The study grouped the key characteristics of honey consumers in the areas of Kostanay region that affect their behavior, desires and preferences. By quantitative analysis of the results of the survey of the target audience, an average portrait of buyers of honey and other bee products has been compiled, which can be used by entrepreneurs at all stages of planning and promoting their products.
 A literary review of the state of knowledge of this issue was conducted, citing articles from domestic and foreign sources.
 The results obtained can be used by domestic producers in the development and optimization of a strategy for promoting bee products.

Yeast Diversity in Honey and Pollen Samples from Stingless Bees in the State of Bahia, Brazil: Use of the MALDI-TOF MS/Genbank Proteomic Technique.

(1) Background: The identification of microorganisms includes traditional biochemical methods, molecular biology methods evaluating the conserved regions of rRNA, and the molecular biology of proteins (proteomics), such as MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry. This work aimed to identify the biodiversity of yeasts associated with stingless bee species' honey and pollen, Melipona scutellaris, Nannotrigona testaceicornes, and Tetragonisca angustula, from the region of São Gonçalo dos Campos-Bahia (BA) state, Brazil. (2) Methods: Cellular proteins were extracted from 2837 microbial isolates (pollen and honey) and identified via MALDI-TOF MS. The identified yeast species were also compared to the mass spectra of taxonomically well-characterized reference strains, available from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. (3) Results: Nine yeast species were identified: Candida maltosa, Candida norvegica, Kazachstania telluris, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Scheffersomyces insectosus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Kazachstania exigua, and Starmerella lactis-condensi. Nannotrigona testaceicornes pollen had the highest number of yeast colonies. The yeasts Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Kazachstania telluris showed high populations in the samples of Nannotrigona testaceicornes and Melipona scutellaris, respectively. This work shows that there is some sharing of the same species of yeast between honey and pollen from the same beehive. (4) Conclusions: A total of 71.84% of the identified species present a high level of confidence at the species level. Eight yeast species (Candida maltosa, Candida norvegica, Kazachstania telluris, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Scheffersomyces insectosus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Kazachstania exigua, and Starmerella lactis-condensi) were found for the first time in the samples that the authors inspected. This contributes to the construction of new knowledge about the diversity of yeasts associated with stingless bee products, as well as to the possibility of the biotechnological application of some yeast species.

In Vitro Determination of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition, Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Content of Various Natural Products (Bee and Herbal Products).

It is obvious that the oxidation process is an undeniable fact and when it comes to aging, one of the first solutions that come to mind is natural products. When it comes to natural products, both plants and bee products play an important, almost combative role against oxidation. For this purpose, natural products of both plant and animal origin were considered together in our study: Linden, green tea, aronia, wild grapes, myrtle, blueberries and basil, honey, pollen and propolis. Total phenolic content values of the extracts ranged between 49.28 and 3859.06 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, and propolis, green tea, chestnut flower and aronia samples were found to have the highest values. When looking at the NOS inhibition potential, it was determined that propolis, pollen and aronia samples had the highest percentage inhibition values of 98.11, 92.29, 83.44, respectively. Antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts were investigated using iron(III) reducing/antioxidant capacity (FRAP), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity test and NOS inhibition tests. The phenolic composition of methanolic extracts was tested using the RP-HPLC-UV (high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet) method with 19 phenolic standards.

BEE PRDUCTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES ARISING FROM THEIR UNCONTROLLED USE

In Turkiye, as well as worldwide, traditional and alternative medical practices are employed for the preservation of health and the treatment of various diseases. Among these practices, Apitherapy has gained particular attention, especially in recent years. Since drug use causes serious side effects, especially on human health, people are increasingly turning to alternative medical treatment methods with minimal or no side effects.
 Apitherapy is a treatment method involving bee products such as honey, pollen, Royal Jel, propolis, and bee venom. It is primarily used for the purpose of promoting a healthier lifestyle. While these products have been traditionally used in various treatments for many years, their systematic use has gained prominence in recent years. Studies have shown that these products strengthen the immune system, provide protection against various types of cancer, and exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
 Furthermore, the high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in these products enhances their therapeutic potential. However, alongside the benefits of these supportive and therapeutic substances, there is a possibility of various toxic effects when used irregularly and without medical supervision. Sometimes, these situations can lead to various organ failures. This review aims to reveal the undesirable effects encountered in the use of bee products and apitherapy applications, and emphasizes that all natural products, especially bee products, should not be used uncontrolled.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly on Some Hematologic Parameters Against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity: A Study in Rats

This study examined the effect of royal jelly on some hematological values against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced toxicity in rats. Royal jelly is a known functional bee product; therefore, its potential to protect against these effects is of great importance. In this study, the effects of royal jelly on hematologic changes were investigated. In the study, 35 healthy Wistar albino male rats weighing 250–300 g and 12–13 weeks old were used. Rats were divided into different groups by gavage daily for 14 days. WBC, LYM, MID, GRA, RBC, HGB, MCHC, MCH, MCV, HCT, PLT, MPV, and PDW values were measured in blood samples. When the measured values were analyzed, the MID, RBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV, and PDV values did not show statistical significance in all experimental groups (P>0.005). However, significant decreases in %LYM, %MID, HCT, and PLT values and increases in WBC, GRA, and %GRA counts were observed in all groups (P < 0.005). This review shows that royal jelly has a potential effect on the hematological and immune systems against toxicity caused by harmful heavy metals such as arsenic. In particular, further research is required to identify the most effective dosage of royal jelly. The results highlight the protective potential of royal jelly against toxicity, which requires further investigation.

Volatile profile of bee bread

Bee bread is one of the least studied bee products. In this study, ten bee bread samples were characterized using palynology and HS–SPME–GC–MS (headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). In total, over one hundred different volatile components were identified, belonging to different chemical groups. Only ten common components were detected in all the samples. These volatiles were ethanol, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, α-pinene, furfural, nonane, nonanal, n-hexane and isovaleric acid. Several other components were commonly shared among various bee bread samples. Over sixty detected compounds have not been previously reported in bee bread. The analysis required a mild extraction temperature of 40 °C, as higher temperatures resulted in the Maillard reaction, leading to the production of furfural. The profile of volatile compounds of the tested bee pollen samples was complex and varied. Some relationships have been shown between botanical origin and volatile organic compound profile.

Bee colonies map the short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffin contamination from the apiary environment

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are industrial chemicals that have potential adverse effects in the environment and on human health. This study investigated CPs in apiary environment, honeybees, and bee products from two rural areas of Beijing, China. The median concentrations of short-chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs) were 22 and 1.6 ng/m3 in the ambient air, 1350 and 708 ng/g dry mass (dw) in bees, 1050 and 427 ng/g dw in flowers, 37 and 54 ng/g in honey, 78 and 53 ng/g dw in bee pollen, 36 and 30 ng/g dw in soil, and 293 and 319 ng/g dw in bee wax. C10Cl6–7 and C14Cl7–8 dominated SCCPs and MCCPs in these samples, respectively. The concentrations and distributions of CPs in samples from apiaries located in the two regions varied. Long-range transportation of air masses was identified as an important source of CPs in apiaries. A close relationship between CPs in bees and the apiary environment indicated that bees could act as bioindicators for CP contamination in the environment. A human health risk assessment found that there were low risks for adults and children exposed to CPs through consumption of honey and pollen from the studied regions.

Influence of bee products on intestinal microbiota formation in healthy birds and birds with candidiasis

Candidamycosis causes significant damage to the poultry industry. Mortality rate in young birds reaches 95100 %. The aim of the study was to optimize formation and intestinal colonization resistance under the influence of biologically active bee products (BABP) and the features of recovery in birds infected with candidamycosis of digestive tract (CDT). Studies were carried out on Japanese meat 10-day-old to 90-day-old quails. All the studied beekeeping products extracts of wax moth, drone homogenate and propolis contribute to the stabilization of the hidden genetically laid down mechanisms of natural intestinal microbiocenosis in healthy quails bred in captivity, without causing damage to the body, restoring the balance of normoflora and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms to physiological values. However, a constant complex of stressors encountered during bird breeding, associated with the conditions of keeping, feeding, veterinary and zootechnical measures, lead to a significant activation of Candida albicans in large intestine, with the subsequent development of candidiasis of digestive tract, deep dysbacterioses, characterized by increased reproduction and increase in the content of opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms: Candida albicans by 8.34 times, Staphylococcus aureus by 4.37 times, Pseudomonas spp. by 3.29 times; inhibition of reproduction and decrease in the level of normoflora: Lactobacillus spp. by 6.0 times, Bifidobacterium spp. by 7.25 times. The use of extracts of wax moth, drone homogenate and propolis in candidamycosis-i nfected birds contributed to restoration of quail intestinal microbiocenosis, which was manifested by: a) decrease in the level of opportunistic pathogenic Candida albicans by 3.3; 4.61 and 3.97 times; Staphylococcus aureus by 4.0; 7.78 and 4.5 times; Pseudomonas spp. by 3.05; 5.32 and 3.96 times; b) activation and increase of normoflora: Lactobacillus spp. by 6.38; 10.0 and 8.84 times; Bifidobacterium spp. by 5.36; 8.42 and 7.5 times.

A validated extraction technique followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet analysis for the assay of melittin as an indicator component of honey bee venom in cosmeceutical products

AbstractHoney bee venom (HBV) is a valuable bee product famous for its therapeutic efficacy. HBV has a complex matrix containing several compounds, of which melittin is identified as the major component and can be considered an indicator compound. According to the numerous pharmacological effects of HBV, it can be a great candidate as an efficient active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Despite the widespread analysis of crude HBV, not enough evaluations have been conducted on HBV pharmaceutical products, which is crucial in quality control procedures. Following the importance of APIs assay, we aimed to develop a feasible and valid HBV extraction method from cosmeceutical creams using precipitation techniques, and an analysis method was developed and validated based on high‐performance liquid chromatography.The analysis was well performed with a high separation capability. The method was repeatable and accurate and exhibited a linear behavior in melittin's 0.1–1.4 mg/mL concentration range. Accordingly, the extraction method revealed a notable recovery between 86% and 104%, and a 0.007 mg/mL detection limit and 0.022 mg/mL limit of quantification were estimated, respectively.Consequently, both extraction and analysis methods were considered valid and feasible, which may influence the quality control tests of HBV pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

A Comprehensive Narrative Review on the Hazards of Bee Honey Adulteration and Contamination

Honey bees are renowned for producing a remarkable substance known as bee honey, which stands as a functional food celebrated for its numerous health benefits. This natural wonder possesses a spectrum of advantageous properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, and wound-healing qualities. However, in our modern era of heightened utilization of bee products, a new and pressing global health concern has emerged—the contamination of honey with pesticides, antibiotics, microorganisms, and heavy metals. The consumption of beekeeping products containing pesticide residues has been linked to a range of health issues, including genetic malformations, cellular degradation, allergic reactions, and even potential carcinogenic effects. Troublingly, documented cases exist of botulism in newborns resulting from the ingestion of contaminated honey. Additionally, the use of antibiotics in beekeeping practices has been associated with the concerning emergence of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive review sheds light on the substantial consequences of honey contamination for human health. It underscores the urgent need for the establishment of a rigorous monitoring system, the validation of minimum acceptable pollutant levels, and, at the very least, the regulation of maximum residue limits for bee products, with a particular emphasis on bee honey.

Bee Bread as a Functional Product: Phenolic Compounds, Amino Acid, Sugar, and Organic Acid Profiles.

Bee bread (perga) is a natural bee product formed by the fermentation of the pollen collected by bees via lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. This study aims to determine the bioactive compounds, amino acid, sugar, and organic acid profile of bee bread samples collected from the Ardahan province of Türkiye. The highest total phenolic, total flavonoid, and DPPH values in bee bread samples were determined as 18.35 mg GAE/g, 2.82 mg QE/g, and 3.90 mg TEAC/g, respectively. Among phenolic compounds, gallic acid had the highest value at 39.97 µ/g. While all essential amino acids except tryptophan were detected in the samples, aspartic acid was the most dominant, followed by pyrroline and glutamic acid. Among sugars, fructose was seen at the highest level. Succinic acid, among organic acids, had the highest amount at 73.63 mg/g. Finally, all the data were subjected to a principal components analysis (PCA). Bee bread samples were grouped according to the analysis results of the districts they were collected from. This study provides information about the bioactive components and some chemical properties of bee bread, a natural product that has been the subject of recent research. It also contains essential data for future functional food production.

Response of Short Food Supply Chains in Western Balkan Countries to the COVID Crisis: A Case Study in the Honey Sector

Abstract Operation of short food supply chains (abbr. SFSCs) during the period of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus provided a lesson which might be useful for perceiving the behaviour of farmers and local food systems in potential future crises caused by various endogenous or exogenous factors. A study based on a sample of 1081 beekeepers in Western Balkan countries shows how beekeepers involved in SFSCs perceived the influence of the pandemic on the growth of demand and sale of honey through these marketing channels. On the scale from 1 (no influence) to 7 (very strong influence), the average rating of 3.53 indicated a weak to moderate influence, which was fairly consistent across the countries of this region. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test determined that large-scale beekeepers, those in mountainous areas, those adding value to honey and beekeepers producing other bee products apart from honey stated that the pandemic had a stronger influence on the growth of demand and sale of honey through SFSCs. At the same time, a higher rating of the pandemic’s influence on sales growth was accompanied by greater limitations of beekeepers regarding the availability of family labour for selling honey, as well as by greater needs for digital marketing knowledge and skills. Binary logistic regression showed that the increase in beekeepers’ age led to the decreased rating of the influence of the pandemic on the growth of demand and sale of honey through SFSCs. It also showed that the influence rating rose with the increase in production capacity, adding value to honey and beekeepers’ needs for digital marketing knowledge and skills. The obtained results provide valuable knowledge about the potential response of SFSCs and involved producers to future crises and disruptions. It is primarily intended for policy makers, but also to practitioners and scientific and expert communities. All of them should respond proactively on behalf of society and prepare themselves for future challenges.

Development Strategy of Klanceng Honey Livestock (Trigona Sp) in Lubuk Raja, Ogan Komering Ulu District

Honey bee cultivation is one of the livestock businesses that can play a role in meeting the economic needs of the community. This research was conducted in order to find out what strategies are appropriate in developing the Klanceng (Trigona sp) honey livestock business so that the marketing and development of the Klanceng (Trigona sp) honey livestock business can develop and be able to add economic value to the people of Lubuk Raja District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. The results of this research are internal factors include strengths and weaknesses, namely that employees have undergone training, the availability of nectar production facilities is quite extensive, cultivation management has been implemented and they already have market share. The weaknesses of the Klanceng Honey Farming Business (Trigona SP) in Lubuk Raja District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency are seasonal factors, funds, not being able to harvest every day, simple product packaging and lack of knowledge of marketing media. External factors include opportunities and threats. The strategiesis using the S-O strategy or power of opportunity strategy, namely utilizing government support in expanding the marketing area for honey products, utilizing nearby shops and honey collecting agents to market the harvest of Klanceng honey bee products (Trigona sp), then utilizing social media as a promotional tool honey products, as well as changing old packaging in the form of marjan bottles into more attractive glass bottles, developing technology for cultivating livestock Klanceng honey bees (Trigona sp) and finally renting land in an area that is in season.