West Australian monofloral honeys are considered to be among the best in the world and are in high demand by discerning honey consumers internationally. They are highly sought after for their therapeutic benefits, being potentially anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and are prebiotic - or good for gut health. ChemCentre in partnership with the Bee Industry Council of WA (BICWA) is undertaking a $4.4 million research program that is focused on the development of commercial West Australian mono-floral honeys – Jarrah, Marri, Yate and Powderbark.
Through its research ChemCentre has identified that Jarrah and Marri monofloral honeys, unique to WA, have high levels of antimicrobial activity based on analytical reports received. Floral differentiated honeys like these are attracting high value market sales - ten times the value per kilogram of bulk blended product- and up to 20 times the blended value as a final bottled product in the therapeutic end use market.
ChemCentre is developing certification processes to ensure the integrity, traceability and quality of WA’s monofloral honeys from hive to market, and in so doing, is helping to drive market expansion with exports into the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
The program funded by industry, the State Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Federal Government, through the CRC for Honey Bee Products (CRC HBP) is ensuring a sustainable honey industry by optimising honey value through certified processes and product that meets the international customer needs. The CRC HBP is based in Western Australia and has 26 projects scheduled for delivery over five years, which will focus on national honey industry outcomes.
ChemCentre is working in partnership with the Bee Industry Council of WA (BICWA), the WA Farmers Federation (WAFF), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)and the Fighting Food Waste CRC to develop a certified international distributor framework to extend supply chain control for WA monofloral honeys.
WA’s unique monofloral honeys have been identified as having high levels of antimicrobial activity and are in high demand internationally, including in China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, particularly in the high-value, therapeutic end use market.