The French love honey. They eat 50,000 tons of it every year according to representatives of the sector (Alliance 7). But do they know what exactly is in their jar? On the shelves of supermarkets, there are many products imported, particularly from China.
In order to assess the quality of honey sold in France, the association 60 million consumers sifted through 24 jars of different brands in a survey published in its last issue of November. These are liquid or creamy flower honeys, the most appreciated by the French.
It analyzed the nature and quantities of pollen grains present in each product as well as their origin. In fact, most products on the market contain a mixture of honeys from different origins (which is perfectly legal but must appear on the label). It is not uncommon to find up to six different countries in a pot reminiscent of the association (Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Ukraine, Spain and France).
Following a series of analyses, a ranking was established. It is the spring flower honey from La Grande Epicerie de Paris (€9.90 for 350g) that takes first place. “It ticks all the boxes of a high quality product” explains 60 million consumers based on criteria of quality, authenticity and absence of contaminants.
In second position, we find Provencal flower honey from Luberon hives (€10.30 for 500g). It is an IGP Provence (Protected Geographical Indication) product. After analysis, 60 million consumers confirm that “the pollens found attest to its origin with a third of them coming from bramble flowers, brassicas and, in lesser proportions, common chestnut and horse chestnut”.
Finally, at the bottom of the ranking, the products of the brands Famille Vacher and Le Manoir des abeilles are not recommended by the association.