Sweet foods are universally enjoyed by people of all ages. That’s because we are biologically programmed to enjoy food rich in carbohydrates due to its scarcity in nature. In fact, honey is one of the most common sweet products found in nature. That’s why it’s been used by people for millennia. As a growing number of consumers turn to natural products, sales of wholesale honey have increased in recent years. It has multiple applications in bakery businesses, coffee shops, and the restaurant industry. In this post, we’ll share more about the wholesale honey industry and what businesses buy this product in bulk. This post is part of our series on sugar, honey, and sweeteners. If you want to know more, check out our posts on where to buy wholesale sugar and erythritol artificial sweeteners.
Key takeaway: Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry are the main buyers of wholesale honey. It’s also used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Retailers might purchase large quantities of honey, package it, and sell it at retail prices. Cafes and restaurants usually purchase large quantities of single-use honey packets to offer as condiments for tea or other beverages.
What Is Wholesale Honey
Just like bulk sugar, wholesale honey is primarily purchased by businesses that use it in their manufacturing process, for cooking, or package it and sell it at retail prices. Usually, wholesale honey is packaged in large bottles or buckets that can range from 5 to 60 pounds. Some businesses also purchase tons of honey. However, these are usually manufacturers of confectionery goods, skincare companies, or beverage producers.
What Businesses Buy Wholesale Honey
Honey has various applications. As such, different types of businesses purchase the product in bulk. Here are a few examples.
- Food and beverage manufacturers. Granola bars, mead, and cereals are just a few examples of products in the food and beverage industry that use honey as a main ingredient.
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars. These businesses often purchase large quantities of packaged honey as well as wholesale honey in buckets. That’s because it’s commonly used as a condiment for hot beverages as well as in various recipes for coffee shop pastries.
- Cosmetics producers. Natural skincare products have become one of the high-demand product categories in the cosmetics sector. Due to their richness in enzymes and nutrients, bee products like honey and propolis are often bought in large quantities by manufacturers of cosmetics.
- Retailers. Many grocery stores and other retailers sell honey in private-label packaging.
Where to Buy or Sell Wholesale Honey
There are various ways to purchase large quantities of honey at wholesale prices. Allow us to share a few ideas.
- Specialized distributors. If you’re looking for a wide range of bee products, the best option is to partner with suppliers that specialize in honey and bee products. They can offer different types of honey and a variety of products such as beeswax and propolis.
- Broadliners. Many business owners choose to order wholesale honey from broadline distributors. These suppliers can also offer products in various other categories which makes ordering wholesale food products easier for businesses.
- Farmers’ cooperatives. The popularity of farmers’ markets and cooperatives has increased in recent years. Businesses that look for natural, organic, and raw honey can find it at such places.
- Wholesale platforms and marketplaces. The share of B2B sales done online has increased in recent years. Wholesale platforms allow businesses to easily check products and compare prices.
- Directly from honey farms and beekeepers. Manufacturers and other businesses that need large quantities of honey often partner directly with farms. This allows them to reduce the cost of goods sold. Furthermore, beekeepers and honey farms often offer contract farming services.
Honey Versus Sugar and Sugar Substitutes
When compared with white and brown sugar, honey is considered a more healthy and better option. That’s because of its lower glycemic impact and the fact that honey contains vitamins and minerals. However, similarly to sugar, honey should be consumed in moderation because it's high in calories.
Honey should not be consumed by people with diabetes and others who follow a low-carb diet. Sugar-free and keto honey products have become popular in recent years. They combine natural sweeteners like monk fruit with honey extract and thickening agents to achieve a similar consistency and flavor but with little to no calories. Stevia and monk fruit sweeteners are considered to be the best alternatives to honey that are both vegan and diabetic-friendly.
Generally speaking, honey is a healthy product, especially compared to sugar. However, it should be used in moderation. Stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit sweeteners are alternatives to honey that can be used in keto diets or by people with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Honey
Would you like to know more about how to sell sugar or what are some of the best sugar wholesale suppliers in the US? You’ll find plenty of resources on sweeteners, honey, and various other niche markets. Below are the answers to commonly asked questions regarding honey and its applications.
What Are the Alternatives to Honey?
As honey is not suitable for people with diabetes or other dietary restrictions, there are various substitutes. Some of them are the so-called sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, and others). Others are derived from plants such as stevia and monk fruit syrup. There are also alternatives to honey that are not diabetic-friendly. Examples include maple syrup, molasses, and coconut nectar. Their rich flavor makes them an excellent alternative to honey. Since these products are made from plants, they are also vegan honey substitutes.
What Are the Different Types of Honey?
There are various types of honey available. One way to categorize honey is based on floral sources. Buckwheat, orange blossom, and manuka honey are the most common monofloral types. Polyfloral honey is made from the nectar of various flowers. The processing method is another way to categorize honey. Raw (unpasteurized and unfiltered) and pasteurized honey are the main varieties in this category.
There are various specialty products in the honey niche market. Hot honey has been among the most popular honey products in recent years. Creamed (whipped) honey is commonly used as a spread. Comb honey is a natural product that is still in its wax combs.
Is Honey Healthy?
Humans have been eating honey for thousands of years. As such, it is probably the healthiest sweet product available. It’s a natural energy source and rich in antioxidants. The antibacterial properties of honey have been known for centuries. That’s why it’s often used as a throat soother and cough suppressant.
Despite the various benefits of honey, it’s very high in calories. That’s why it should be consumed in moderation in order to prevent weight gain. Raw and unpasteurized honey can be more dangerous due to the potential content of spores and bacteria.
BlueCart: The Platform to Buy and Sell Wholesale Honey
Whether you have a wholesale distribution business specializing in honey and bee products or you’re a broadline distributor, BlueCart is the all-in-one solution for your needs. With features related to order management, eCommerce tools, and various other instruments, BlueCart is among the best wholesale ordering software options on the market. Tens of thousands of bulk buyers like restaurants, cafes, and manufacturers also use our marketplace to order from their suppliers. Schedule a demo today and see how BlueCart can increase your wholesale sales and help you automate certain processes.