Honey; natural

HS code 040900 covers natural honey, a highly valued food product and important ingredient in various industries. Honey is a sweet, viscous substance produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. It has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years and plays a crucial role in the global food and beverage supply chain. The honey industry is a significant contributor to the agricultural economy, providing income for beekeepers and supporting the pollination of many important crops.

The production of natural honey involves several key steps. Honeybees collect nectar from flowers and store it in their hives. The bees then process the nectar, adding enzymes and removing excess water, to create the final honey product. Beekeepers harvest the honey by removing the honeycomb frames from the hive and extracting the honey using specialized equipment. The honey is then filtered, processed, and packaged for distribution.

The primary inputs for the honey industry are the honeybees themselves, as well as the flowers and plants that provide the nectar. Beekeepers also require specialized equipment, such as hives, frames, and extraction machinery, to manage their apiaries and harvest the honey. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce of beekeepers and support staff to maintain the hives and ensure efficient production.

The main output of the honey industry is, of course, natural honey. This versatile product is widely used in the 210690 food and beverage industry, where it serves as a sweetener, flavoring agent, and ingredient in a variety of products. Honey is also used in the 330499 cosmetics and personal care industry, as well as in the 300490 pharmaceutical industry for its medicinal properties. Additionally, the beeswax produced as a byproduct of honey harvesting has various industrial applications.