Market Updates
By Kirk Wilson
As we head into spring, the market conditions remain mostly unchanged from they were last fall. Current market prices remain between $2.05 and $2.10 per pound, returns vary based on lose of drums or shipping costs.
The updated EU Breakfast Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1438), to be applied by June 14, 2026, mandates stricter honey labeling, requiring all countries of origin to be listed in descending order by weight, along with their percentages. The new rules abolish generic terms like "blend of EU honeys," ensuring better traceability and transparency
Growth in the EU is expected to increase by five per cent this year for all honey consumption. With the new labeling laws, increased testing, regions still being impacted by the war in Ukraine, and the supply channels being heavily impacted by the war in Iran; there is an opportunity this upcoming year for Canadian honey to be sold into the EU. However, we will be competing heavily with Argentina and their established trade partners.
Argentina is expecting an average crop or slightly below, with much of their crop being moved to Europe for more stable pricing and increased demand from the new laws on labeling and authenticity coming into effect this June.
Australian honey production is expected to be far less than normal as much of Eastern Australia is fighting larger and larger Varroa Mite loads and poor weather. With the conflict in Iran, this may allow for Canadian honey to move into some EU programs to fill the void.
The US is expecting similar over wintering numbers as last year, in and around the 60% colony loss and a continued decline in their overall honey production. They have experienced 4 years of declining crops and will continue to look to expanding imports to satisfy demand.
With the two largest markets for honey consumption in the US and Europe looking for new partners or expansion of current ones; we will be there to satisfy this demand and push to increase prices for Bee Maid Honey, an authentic, traceable, and stable partner.
Looking forward to a great summer and a large harvest this fall.
Show Off Your Best Shots in Our Member Photo Contest!
We’re always amazed by the incredible photos you share, and now it’s your turn to showcase your best shots for a chance to win. From your bees and hives to the landscapes they call home, we want to see what inspired you out in the field!
How to Enter: Send your photo with your name and apiary location to sstarodub@beemaid.com by July 30, 2026
(Note: Photos must be in JPEG or PNG format.)
Prize: The Winner will receive a Bee Supplies gift card valued at $250, and all entries will have the opportunity to be featured on our Bee Maid and Bee Supplies social media pages. Grab your camera and share your view of the hive!
Dates to Remember
Please Note: Bee Maid and the Co-operatives will be closed on the following dates:
OBSERVANCES
Canada Day
Inventory Count
Civic Holiday
Labour Day
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
DATES CLOSED
Wed. July 1, 2026
Fri July 31, 2026
Mon Aug. 4 2025
Mon Sep. 1 2025
Tues Sep. 30 2025
Thanksgiving Mon Oct.13 2025
A reminder to members to make use of the Members Online Portal for quick access to important membership information. The portal provides one convenient place to find forms, newsletters, payment information, and account statements.
If you have not yet claimed your account, or if you have questions about accessing the portal, please email all inquiries to portal@beemaid.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
New Bee Maid Member Portal Coming Soon!
Work is underway on a new BeeMaid Member Portal. While we’re not ready to share full details just yet, we wanted to let you know that significant planning, design, and technical development is happening behind the scenes to create a better overall member experience. We’re currently targeting a Summer 2026 launch and will share more details as we get closer.
We’re focusing on making information easier to find, supporting more self-serve options, and improving how member documents and key details are presented so members can quickly confirm what’s on file and what may be coming due.
What We've Been Working On:
Our team has been putting the pieces in place to make sure the portal delivers real value for members:
•Building reliable connections so your information is accurate and up to date
•Designing clear, member-friendly displays to make key details easy to understand
•Setting up notifications so you stay informed on important updates
•Strengthening security to protect your information and access
•Testing workflows to keep the experience simple and intuitive
Shipping Rule
To maintain membership with the Cooperative, members must ship a minimum of 5,000 pounds annually. This requirement remains in effect and continues to apply to all members.
•If the 5,000-pound shipping requirement is not met, membership may be subject to termination.
What's Next?
We’ll continue testing and refining portal features in the coming weeks. As we get closer to launch, we’ll share step-by-step instructions, including how to access your account, where to go for support, and any actions members may need to take prior to launch.
Our goal is simple: to give you faster, easier, and more reliable access to the information you need. Keep an eye out for updates on this exciting work!
•Members may appeal a termination and request reinstatement from the Board.
•Members who are unable to meet the requirement due to drought, bee losses, or other circumstances should send a letter to the Cooperative requesting a Leave of Absence and outlining the reason the shipping rule was not met.
Bringing the Bee Maid Story to Life Through a New Tradeshow Booth
As part of BeeMaid Honey's ongoing commitment to strengthening our brand presence and sharing the co-operative story with customers and industry partners, we recently made a significant investment in our tradeshow marketing program.
Working with Exhibit Studio Ltd., we developed a custom 10' x 20' modular booth designed to create a fresh, engaging, and cohesive brand experience at events across Canada.
The new display combines visual impact with flexibility. Its modular design allows the booth to be reconfigured and resized to meet the unique requirements of different trade shows, ensuring BeeMaid can maintain a strong and consistent presence whether exhibiting in a smaller footprint or a larger showcase environment.
Key features include a vibrant backlit hive graphic, custom-branded honeycomb countertops, built-in product shelving to showcase BeeMaid products and valued partnerships, and integrated audiovisual capabilities. These features allow us to highlight cooking demonstrations, share member profile stories featured on our website, and connect visitors with the people and passion behind Canadian honey production.
The booth made its debut this spring at the RC Show in Mississauga, Canada's largest foodservice and restaurant trade event. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees drawn to the display's inviting design and storytelling elements.
This investment reflects Bee Maid's continued focus on elevating our brand while creating meaningful opportunities to engage with customers, industry partners, and consumers. We look forward to showcasing the new booth at events across the country and continuing to share the BeeMaid story with new audiences.
Save The Date - 2026 Beekeeper Field Days
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Beekeeper Field Days taking place across the Prairies in June! These annual events bring the beekeeping community together for a day of learning, connection, and summer fun!
SASKATCHEWAN FIELD DAY
Date: June 21
Location: Lalonde Honey Farms Clavet, Saskatchewan
Tickets: $50.00 (adults), $20.00 (youth)
For more event info, visit the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association website.
This
MANITOBA FIELD DAY
Date: June 21
Location: Rockland Apiaries Ltd Baldur, Manitoba
Time: 10am-3pm (lunch available to purchase)
For more event info, visit the Manitoba Beekeepers Association website.
ALBERTA FIELD DAY
Date: June 26
Location: Beaverlodge Research Farm Beaverlodge, AB Time: 10 am - 4:30 pm.
Advanced Payments Program (APP) 2026
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced that for the 2026 program year, the APP interest-free limit will be $250,000 for all non-canola advances, including honey.
Signing the APP form authorizes the Co-op to include your eligible deliveries in the program, allows us access interest free (up to the government limit) and preferred rate funding, and helps us manage cash flow and reduce borrowing costs.
What This Means for You:
Signing the APP form doesn’t create an extra payment to you; it helps the Co-op fund the initial payment more efficiently.
What We Need From Members:
We’ll send the 2026 APP form when it’s ready. Please return it signed as soon as possible.
As directed by the Board, we will share APP-related payment information with members as soon as it is available. For the 2026 program year, the APP advance rate for honey has been confirmed at $1.30/lb. (less applicable administration fees).
Please note that future payments depend on market conditions and may change if honey prices drop. While some forecasts reference higher price scenarios, we do not anticipate honey reaching $2.60/lb. Members should consider cashflow implications: a higher initial payment may result in lower subsequent payments.
Questions: For further information, please contact your Co-op office. Thank you for your support.
CFIA Consultant
If you have questions about CFIA licensing or compliance requirements, members are encouraged to contact Sam Barlin, CFIA Consultant for the Alberta and Manitoba Co-operatives.
Contact Information:
Cell: 1-204-806-4737
Email: sbarlin@beemaid.com
Mail: 645 Black Diamond Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 4M7
Sam is available to assist with:
•Answering questions about CFIA licensing
•Visiting members' locations to help support compliance with CFIA requirements Appointments required)
•Reviewing written programs and templates to ensure compliance with SFCR requirements
Please remember to submit/email your SFC License on a biennial basis (License is valid for 2 years) to your respective co-operative.
RELEVANT MEMBER INFO
Empty Bulk Containers
Important Info for Pickup:
With intake season approaching, members are encouraged to book their empty bulk container pick-up early to help ensure containers are available before the season begins. For full details, please refer to the Honey Intake Policy
•All empty bulk container pick-up appointments must be booked through the OpenDock portal.
•Appointments may be requested by either the member or their carrier.
•Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment time; the appointment is only confirmed once it has been confirmed through the system.
•Members are responsible for arranging transportation of empty bulk containers to their own location.
•Unusable bulk containers should not be filled with honey and should be returned empty to the Cooperative.
•Honey deliveries must be made in Bee Maid bulk containers only.
Standardized Procedures for Silver Barrel Tare Weights
Bee Maid has implemented standardized procedures across both co-ops to promote consistency and fairness when determining the tare weight of Bee Maid silver barrels.
As part of this policy, member home scale measurements are no longer being used to establish tare weights. This change supports a more consistent approach for all members.
•Bee Maid bulk containers must not be used for wax storage, sugar mixing, or any purpose other than honey deliveries to the Co-operative.
•Members are responsible for the loss or misuse of Bee Maid bulk containers and may be charged accordingly.
Sampling of Barrels
Bee Maid will be sampling silver barrels from each co-op to confirm current tare weight assumptions. The findings will be shared with the Board of Directors, and members will be updated on any resulting changes.
More Information
If you have questions about these changes, please contact your co-op manager.
88th Annual General Meeting
Please save the date for the 88th Annual General Meeting of Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers, which will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg. Please check online directly with the hotel for current rates and availability. Other hotel and accommodation options are also available nearby. Further details about the meeting will be shared in upcoming emails and newsletters.
Location: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, 1808 Wellington Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0G3
Reservations: Victoria Inn Hotel Reservation Desk or call (204) 786-4801
Quota Rate
The annual quota rate for the 2026 crop year has been set at 100% of shipping bases. Updated shipping base calculations will be provided to members shortly.
Reminder: The Board reserves the right to apply a differential between pools based on sales and crop conditions.
2026/27 Annual Member Survey
Please complete and submit your 2026/27 Annual Member Survey as soon as possible. This survey includes the documentation required by the Manitoba Cooperative for the upcoming year and must be received before honey delivery appointments can be booked.
•A hard copy of the survey was mailed to members who do not currently have an email address.
•To complete the survey online, please click here.
•If you would prefer a hard copy, please contact Tracie Thompson at 1-204-783-2240, then press *254.
Reminder: No honey delivery appointments can be booked until we have received your completed 2026/27 Annual Member Survey.
June 2026 Interim Payment
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the fourth payment on the 2025 Pool is:
Payments are shown in cents per pound*
The moisture adjustment will also be applied in accordane with the 2025/26 Grading Policy shown below. Payments are scheduled to be credited to members' accounts on June 15, 2026.
2025/2026 Grading Policy
Note: Over 20% - Acceptance will be subject to deduction and our ability to utilize high moisture honey.*
86th Annual Meeting
The 86th Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday November 12, 2026, at the River Cree Hotel, Enoch, AB. Please note we no longer have the option to hold a block of rooms at the River Cree Hotel as we do not get enough reservations to qualify. Please check online for rates and availability. There are also other hotel/ accommodation options nearby.
CFIA/SFC License
If you have not already done so, please continue to work toward achieving your SFC License through My CFIA. If you have not achieved your license prior to delivering honey to the
Co-op for the 2026-27 crop year, you will be subject to a 10 percent non-compliant charge as noted below.
Please remember to submit/email your SFC License on a biennial basis (License is valid for 2 years) to Dori Boland, dboland@beemaid.com.
Location: River Cree Resort, 300 East Lapotac Blvd. Enoch, AB Reservations: https://www.rivercreeresort.com/hotel/ or call 1-844-425-2733 APP Forms/Letter of Guarantee/Risk Residue
Please submit your signed APP Forms, Letter of Guarantee, Risk Residue and Respectful Workplace Policy Forms to Dori Boland, dboland@beemaid.com These documents were mailed to members on April 30, 2026. Please submit these documents prior to delivering honey to the Co-operative.
Quota Rate
The Quota Rate for the 2026-27 crop year is set at 100% of your Quota Base. This will be the amount of honey received into Pool A. Honey received over this amount will be received in Pool B. The new shipping base calculations will be sent to Members in July.
June 2026 Interim Payment
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the fourth payment on the 2025-26 honey crop is .24 cents per pound for Pool A and Pool B White honey. Payment will be credited to Members’ accounts on June 15, 2026. The moisture adjustment will be made at the same time as per the 2025/26 Grading Policy
2025/2026 Grading Policy
Note: Over 20% - Acceptance will be subject to deduction and our ability to utilize high moisture honey.*
Bee Maid Bee Supplies: Featured Products
Amiflex Starter Kit
Amiflex offers an innovative and effective approach to managing varroa mite infestations. This kit includes a dosing gun, 10 tubes of Amiflex, and 400 depressors.
Shop Amiflex
Apivar 2.0
Developed through comprehensive field studies, Apivar 2.0 addresses the critical need for rapid action, delivering a swift reduction in mite populations within the first three weeks.
Shop Apivar 2.0
Bactobee
Bactobee is a live probiotic formlated specifically for honeybees, designed to support their gut health and support colony reslience against envionrmental stressors.
Shop Bactobee
Keep Your Hands Safe All Summer Long
These black nitrile gloves are sold as a set of 12 pairs of gloves and includes the Bee Maid Bee Supplies logo. The cuffs are coloured based on the size of the glove: Small-Red; Medium-Green; Large-Brown; XLarge-Blue. Shop Here.