Value-Added Honey Products

Hillside Orchard Farms contracted with UGA's Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to conduct a feasibility study to investigate the technical, market, and financial feasibility of expanding their value-added food production in Rabun County, Georgia, to include honey products. The technical analysis was limited to the building, equipment and process for making value-added honey products. Bee-keeping and hive management was outside the scope of this study. From the base of the four major raw commodities the farm produces, they have created about 150 consumer-ready products. A key component to the successful production of these commodities is the need for honeybees for pollination. Building on that need, the farm intends to expand its bee operation to not only fulfill pollination needs but also to include production of value-added honey products to be offered to their existing wholesale customers. The UGA study addressed the technical feasibility of the proposed facility and included guidelines and recommendations related to regulatory issues surrounding honey. The market analysis portion of the study addressed current U.S. honey situation, competition, consumer trends, specialty food trends, consumption patterns, and local food awareness. Target markets and marketing strategies were identified and characterized. The study also addressed management needs for a successful business venture. The financial analysis section addressed the overall economic cost and returns for the value-added processing facility. Based on the assumptions set forth, a honey processing facility to produce local branded honey products located in Rabun County appears economically feasible. Construction and operation of a local honey processing facility in Rabun County would lead to economic activity throughout Georgia. The company is moving forward with their plans to expand their bee-keeping and honey production.