Why Buying U.S. Honey Matters

Why Buying U.S. Honey Matters — A Message from Waterford Bee Company

If you've been shopping for honey lately, you might’ve noticed a wide range of prices on the shelf. Some jars are surprisingly cheap, while others carry a premium. So what's really going on?

At Waterford Bee Company, we want to share something most consumers never see: the wholesale honey prices behind those store shelves—and why they matter.

According to the USDA’s latest National Honey Report (May 2025), foreign honey is being sold in bulk for as little as $0.95 to $1.10 per pound wholesale from countries like India and Vietnam. In contrast, U.S. honey prices range from $1.85 to over $3.30 per pound wholesale, depending on floral source and region.

So yes, American honey costs more. But we believe that cost reflects something worth investing in—quality, transparency, and sustainability.

🍯 1. You're Getting the Real Thing

Many imported honeys are ultra-filtered or adulterated—stripped of pollen, flavor, and nutrients, or cut with rice or corn syrup. These products may look like honey, but they often don’t meet the standards we hold ourselves to here in the U.S.

At Waterford Bee Company, our honey is pure, raw, and unfiltered, harvested right from our Wisconsin hives. No shortcuts. No additives. Just honey the way the bees made it.

🐝 2. You're Supporting Local Bees and Beekeepers

Every jar of our honey supports not just our family business, but the bees that help pollinate Wisconsin’s fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Imported honey may save you a dollar, but buying local ensures:

• Ethical beekeeping practices

• Pollinator habitat protection

• Rural job creation and local economic impact

🌼 3. You Can Taste the Difference

Our honey captures the flavor of the seasons—clover, wildflowers, basswood, goldenrod—right here in Southeast Wisconsin. That’s something you won’t find in a mass-blended jug shipped halfway around the world.

Each batch is unique, reflecting the bloom and the landscape. That’s the magic of local honey—and it’s something we’re proud to share.

🌍 4. It’s a More Sustainable Choice

Imported honey travels thousands of miles, adding to global shipping emissions. By choosing Wisconsin-made honey, you’re lowering your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable food system.

🧾 5. You Know Who Made It

At Waterford Bee Company, we bottle every jar ourselves. You’re not just getting a product—you’re getting our commitment to quality, our care for the bees, and our roots in this community.

No mystery sourcing. No unknown middlemen. Just honest honey from a beekeeper you can talk to.

The Bottom Line

The next time you’re comparing prices at the store, remember this: that lower price tag might reflect wholesale honey imported from across the globe at less than $1 a pound. That doesn’t mean it’s a better deal—it just means it’s missing the care, flavor, and integrity of American beekeepers.

When you buy from Waterford Bee Company, you're not just buying honey—you're investing in something real.

Thanks for supporting local. Thanks for supporting the bees.

– The Waterford Bee Company Team 🐝