The expert assessed the risks for the confectionery business due to the shortage of honey in Russia

An increase in the price of honey can have a significant impact on the confectionery business, since the purchase of these products is reflected in the price of baking and in its composition. Ilya Rusyaev, a business consultant and founder of the Rusyaev Club business community, told Izvestia on February 16.

According to Rusyaev, when the market collides with a reduction in the supply of natural honey and an increase in the share of counterfeiting, this means either the adoption of new purchase prices, or their retention and loss of assortment.

As the expert explained, for manufacturers of products with honey, much depends on the amount of this ingredient in the formulation. So, for example, in mass baking and beverages, honey often plays the role of a flavor accent, so even a significant increase in the price of raw materials does not always translate into an equally significant increase in the price on the shelf.

"The situation is different in confectionery, where honey forms the taste and the very idea of the product. There, the increase in purchases is reflected faster in the selling price or in the change in packaging. An attempt to compensate for the growth through syrups and other substitutes leads to regulatory risks, because the line between technological adjustment and misleading the buyer runs along the line of composition and name," Rusyaev said.

In addition, he noted that the approval of a new state standard for the detection of added sugars in honey using isotope analysis has strengthened laboratory testing tools and complicated the lives of counterfeit producers.

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"At the same time, there is an approach according to which a product with ingredients unusual for natural honey is considered adulterated and cannot be labeled as honey. For retail chains, this means the need for a more thorough selection of suppliers and confirmation of quality with documents and test reports," he said.

Rusyaev stressed that the problems with honey supplies are primarily related to fluctuations in domestic production, which depends on the season and harvest conditions. In 2026, it is important for businesses to conclude supply contracts in advance, diversify sources of raw materials, implement strict quality control and clearly indicate changes in the formulation on the packaging. With a reduced supply of honey, not only the price of raw materials increases, but also the risks of errors — for example, a product recall or a claim from regulatory authorities can result in significant financial losses that may outweigh any attempts to save on ingredients.

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On February 16, the Rusprodsoyuz press service reported possible supply disruptions and a shortage of honey. It was also noted that the purchase prices for all types of honey have increased by 30-50% since September and continue to grow. The main reasons for the significant rise in the price of raw honey are crop failures and weather anomalies in honey-bearing regions.:

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