Biofach, the world’s largest trade fair for organic food, set the stage for the first trade fair participation of five Ethiopian honey processors, supported by ProFound. These companies are ready to start exporting honey to Europe: the trade fair in Nürnberg was the first, very successful, step to find buyers for their honey. We found an overwhelming interest in honey and beeswax from Ethiopia. On average, the exhibitors collected 25-30 business leads per company.

We also brought four additional honey processors to the trade fair in Nürnberg for a study tour. Though not yet ready for exports, these companies are on the right track. During their visit, they gained valuable insights into the European market for organic honey and beeswax.

Participation in Biofach was part of the ASPIRE programme in Ethiopia. In this programme, ProFound works together with local partners to increase the incomes of 30,000 smallholder beekeepers and establish the country as a significant exporter of apiculture products, specifically honey, beeswax, pollen and propolis.