Market Updates
By Guy Chartier
closer in size to 2023 at 74 million pounds rather than the 2024 crop at 78 million pounds.
Canadian Honey Market Outlook
Winter losses of about 40% in the Prairie Provinces this year challenged many beekeeping operations. For several beekeepers, this is a second consecutive year of significant colony losses. Although some beekeepers are reporting a good honey crop this year, most were challenged by the inclement weather, some experiencing too dry condition, while others experienced too much rain. Smoke from forest fires also negatively affected some operations. Expectations are that the 2025 crop may be
Interestingly enough, a story on the canola crop was published on September 23, 2025 reporting that the smoke from the forest fires may have benefited the canola crop this summer – see article ( The unexpected upside of Canada's wildfires | Reuters)
Stories around possible tariffs certainly dominated the headlines in early 2025, which did encourage higher volume exports to the United States for a few months during the winter. After all of the commotion and urgency to move honey destined to the United States, Canadian honey still remains unaffected by the tariffs and total exports to the United States stayed about the same as the previous year (13.9M pounds for August to July time period, for crop year 2023 vs 2024). American honey buyers and traders are still a lot more focused on tariffs for honey coming from Asia and South America, as these honey producing areas supply well over 400 million pounds of honey annually to the United States.
Despite all of the uncertainties over the last year, Canadian honey prices have remained fairly steady in the range of CA$2.00 to $2.15 per pound. A stronger rate of exchange on the US dollar during the winter of 2025 would have also provided a more favourable return for honey sold to the United States during that time.
Shipping honey to Japan remains challenging for most individual beekeepers, and although Continued on next page.
MARKET UPDATE
challenging for Bee Maid as well, receiving honey from all corners of the Prairies has made it possible to continue to meet the needs of this market.
Although the beekeeping industry in Canada continues to be challenging, the good news is that the honey category in grocery stores continues to grow. According to the most recent data from NielsenIQ Retail Measurement, the honey category tonnage grew by 8% in 2024. It will be interesting to see the numbers for the honey category at the end of 2025, but we anticipate similar growth as in 2024.
Thank you to all of our members for continuing to supply our organization with pure, high quality Canadian honey.
Save The Date!
Member Information Meeting
Thursday, November 20th, 2025 Saskatoon, SK (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
This meeting is an excellent opportunity to stay informed on the activities and future plans of Bee Maid and the Co-ops. Your participation and input are highly valued.
Following the meeting, we will take a moment to celebrate the retirement of John Sochaski, honouring his years of dedication and contributions to our organization. We hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude and wishing him well in this next chapter.
Invite with RSVP will be sent out November 3, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there! Delta Marriott Downtown Saskatoon.
The Members Online Portal is your source for all information regarding your membership at the Cooperative.
The Portal experience allows for anytime, anywhere access to valuable information such various membership forms, payment information, newsletters, as well as your account statements.
Visit the Members Online Portal regularly to be sure that you are getting the most out of your membership experience.
If you have not yet claimed your Online Portal account, or if you have any other questions, please email all inquiries to portal@beemaid.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
2025 Co-operative Holiday Closures
Remembrance Day
Holiday Closure
Tues Nov.11 2025
Wed Dec.24 - Jan.1 2025
Bee Maid Honey Takes The World Stage
Bee Maid is buzzing across the globe, sharing our Canadian honey with new markets and partners!
ANUGA - Cologne, Germany
(October 4–8, 2025)
We’re proud to take part in Anuga, the largest food trade show in the world! This marks our second successful export of samples into Europe, working closely with the CFIA and EU Commission through the TRACES system to clear customs in Cologne. Our European distributor, ORBIS, will join us at the show as we exhibit under the Canada Pavilion and connect with the EU Trade Commission Service and Canadian Counsellors to learn more about certifications and regulations in the region.
Supermarket Trade Show - Tokyo
(February 12–14, 2026)
We’re excited to attend this grocery retail–focused event in Japan for the first time! Supported by Alberta Trade Commissioner Mary Beth Takao and our new distributor, Nippon Coffee Trading Co., this show is a great opportunity to introduce Bee Maid to more Japanese retailers and consumers.
FoodEx Japan - Tokyo
(March 10–13, 2026)
FoodEx has become a regular part of our international calendar, and 2026 will mark our third year exhibiting under the Canada Pavilion. Each year, we continue to build awareness and excitement for Bee Maid among Japanese buyers and retailers.
Continued on next page.
(Above) Bee Maid’s booth at the ANUGA Canadian Pavilion buzzed with great connections and conversations about pure Canadian honey.
New International Opportunities
S&R, Philippines – We’re in discussions for either Bee Maid–branded or private-label products with this large Philippine retailer. S&R, originally owned by Price Club USA (the company that inspired Costco), is supported by Southeast Asia Federal and Alberta Trade Commissioners and our distributor, Tithes International Pte Ltd.
Taiyo Grocery Chain, Japan – Our Bee Maid Cream, Raw, and Clover honeys are being tested by Taiyo Grocery Chain, imported and distributed by Nippon Coffee Trading Co. Shipments are on track for late October.
From Europe to Asia, Bee Maid continues to make sweet connections around the world, proudly showcasing the quality and care that go into every drop of our Canadian honey.
Empty Container Pick-ups Can Now Be Booked Through OpenDock
Starting October 20, 2025, members can schedule their empty container pick-up appointments directly in OpenDock. This update provides a faster, more convenient way to schedule your pick-ups alongside your regular delivery appointments.
For more information on the rules and requirements for empty containers, please refer to the Honey Intake Policy, which can be found on the Member Online Portal under the heading "R6 Honey Intake".
Co-op Member Satisfaction Survey
We’re launching a new survey to better understand how well we’re meeting your needs as a Co-op member. Every four months (October, February, and June), you’ll receive an email with a link to a short Microsoft Forms survey. By repeating the survey regularly, we can track changes in member satisfaction over time and ensure we’re responding to your evolving needs.
The first survey focuses on the ongoing R6 project and measuring member satisfaction. Your feedback makes a difference—it helps us understand what’s working well and focus on areas where we can serve you better. By sharing your perspective, you help shape a stronger Co-op for all members.
Access the October 2025 Survey Here.
Why Join the Board?
•Support strong governance
•Shape the future of your co-operative
•Develop leadership experience
Eligibility Criteria
•Be a member in good standing*
•Have a demonstrated commitment to Bee Maid’s values and strategic direction.
• Completed the Good Governance Matters course.
About The Good Governance Matters Course
Take The Course. Lead The Way!
This free course is designed to help members understand the principles of co-operative governance and the responsibilities of serving on the Board. Learn more below.
Explore the Good Governance Matters Course
*Note: A member in good standing is a Co-op Member who is compliant with all obligations, requirements, and expectations set forth by the Co-operative and Bee Maid. This includes but is not limited to: adherence to all Co-operative bylaws and policies, full payment of dues and financial obligations, submission of required documentation, professional conduct as outlined in the Respectful Workplace Policy for Members, and no unresolved compliance issues.
Ready to Get Involved?
If you’re interested in contributing to the strength of your Co-op and shaping the direction of Bee Maid, complete the Good Governance Matters course and consider putting your name forward for the Board.
Bee Maid Scholarships & Annual Research Fund
Since 2004, the Bee Maid Honey Scholarship has supported the children and grandchildren of our members and staff in pursuing post-secondary education. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement—investing in the next generation of our cooperative.
The Bee Maid Honey Research Fund furthers our commitment to Canadian beekeeping by supporting research in apiculture, hive health, and honey production. Each year, we invite universities, beekeeping associations, and agricultural organizations to apply for funding that advances knowledge and strengthens our industry. Applications for both programs open in December and are due February 15, 2026. More info on how to apply coming soon!
Beekeeping in the News
The Canadian Press - From rooftops to honey jars, Athens is abuzz with urban beekeeping
Science Blog - Organic Beekeepers Outpace Conventional Methods in Honey Production
Alberta Farmer Express - Alberta honey business ‘thrives’ despite bumpy beginnings
AVMA - USDA identifies cause of recent mass honey bee collapse | American Veterinary Medical Association
BBC - Scientists make 'superfood' that could save honeybees
Open Access Government - Governance, collaboration and advocacy within Alberta's beekeeping industry
85th Annual General Meeting
The 85th Annual Meeting will be held at the River Cree Hotel on Wednesday November 12, 2025. Registration is at 8:30 am and call to order is at 9:00 am.
Please call the hotel directly for room reservations. Please note we do not qualify to hold a block of guestrooms.
The information package for the 85th Annual Meeting (Notice of Meeting, 2025 Agenda, 2024 AGM Minutes) was emailed to Members on October 15, 2025.
Please check your email to ensure you receive the information. If you have not received this email, please advise the office, 780-962-5573 (zero for reception) or email ahp@beemaid.com.
Electronic Fund Transfer (Member EFT Requests)
Member EFTs are processed biweekly on Tuesday and Thursday. If you wish to participate in this service, please forward a VOID cheque to bjuros@beemaid.com.
Advance Payment Program (APP)
If you have not already done so, please return your completed Application and Repayment Agreement (APP) forms as soon as possible to bjuros@beemaid.com.
2025 Final Payment
The Final Payment for the 2024-25 crop will be posted to Members Accounts on Friday November 14, 2025.
87th Annual General Meeting
The 87th Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday December 2, 2025 at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Hotel, 1800 Wellington Avenue.
Further details will follow in upcoming emails and on the member portal.
Advance Payments Program (APP)
If you have not already done so, please return your completed Advance Payments Application form as soon as possible to Tracie Thompson tthompson@beemaid.com.
2025 Final Payment
The final payment for the 2024 crop year will be posted to Members’ accounts on Friday, November 14, 2025.
