Omani honey sales top OMR49,000

Muscat: Three tonnes of Omani honey worth OMR49,423 were sold during the period from 24-31 August 2021 through marketing outlets and the electronic platforms “Asal Oman” and “Al Nahaal”. Fifty-five beekeepers from various governorates participated in the marketing outlets, as they showcased a variety of Omani honey with a total quantity of 8 tonnes.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources said: "55 beekeepers from different governorates of the Sultanate participated in the marketing outlets and displayed several types of Omani honey, such as Samar honey, Sidr, flowers, frankincense, gum Arabic, Al-Atm, Shua, Talh, Sarh, Abu Tuwaiq and other products related to honey bees such as honey mixtures, honey jam, beeswax, honey nuts, and spoons."

Of the total sale at these outlets, 65 per cent was that of honey, while nuts accounted for 15 per cent, honey spoons 10 per cent, honey jam 5 per cent, honey mixtures 3 per cent and cosmetic products 2 per cent.

"To support Omani beekeepers and improve the quality of Omani honey and its products, the Ministry of Agricultural and Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources sought marketing outlets to sell Omani honey. Also, raising honey bees in the Sultanate is an old profession practised using traditional methods and developed by the Ministry by introducing the latest technologies," the Ministry added.

Breeding honey bees plays a prominent role in supporting the national economy through the sale and export of honey to neighbouring countries. It also contributes to other related sectors such as carpentry, blacksmithing, transportation and import and export of bee supplies.

Semi-permanent marketing outlets are being opened in various governorates and they provide special packages that include honey tasting. Keeping in mind the pandemic, Omani honey is also being sold online.