By Henriette Wagener.
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), through its Forum on Food Safety (AFFS), in partnership with the University of Pretoria, will host a hybrid seminar, “From Pollination to Palate: Building Consumer Trust in the South African Honey Value Chain,” on Friday, 31 July 2026, as part of the country’s National Science Month celebrations.
Held under the National Science Month theme, “Science in Human Health,” the seminar will examine how scientific innovation, effective regulation and multi-sector collaboration can strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s honey value chain – from healthy bee populations and sustainable production to food authenticity, consumer protection and public health.
Bees are among the world’s most important pollinators, supporting biodiversity, agricultural productivity and the production of many foods essential to human nutrition. Yet South Africa’s honey industry continues to face significant challenges. While local production is estimated at approximately 2 500 tonnes annually, domestic demand is nearly twice that amount, resulting in substantial honey imports. This growing reliance on imported honey has increased concerns around product authenticity, traceability, quality assurance and consumer confidence.
Honey adulteration is recognised globally as one of the most prevalent forms of food fraud. Practices such as syrup blending, sugar feeding and misleading country-of-origin or floral source claims undermine consumer trust, disadvantage ethical producers and present significant regulatory challenges.
The seminar will showcase how advances in scientific techniques – including carbon isotope (C4) testing, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) profiling and pollen analysis – are strengthening the ability to detect honey fraud and verify product authenticity. Experts will also discuss South Africa’s regulatory framework governing honey quality and labelling, while identifying opportunities to strengthen enforcement and improve traceability throughout the supply chain.
“Science provides the evidence needed to protect consumers, strengthen food systems and support sustainable industries. By bringing together researchers, regulators, producers and industry, this seminar demonstrates how collaborative, science-based solutions can enhance food safety, build consumer confidence and contribute to a more resilient honey sector. This is precisely the role that ASSAf seeks to play in advancing science for the benefit of society,” said Prof Lise Korsten, Chair of the ASSAf Forum on Food Safety (AFFS).
The programme will bring together leading researchers, beekeepers, food scientists, analytical laboratories, government departments, regulatory authorities, retailers, importers and industry representatives to discuss the future of South Africa’s honey industry.
Discussions will focus on:
- The importance of bees and pollination for food security, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
- Scientific advances in bee health, honey production and authenticity testing.
- Food fraud risks and the latest methods for detecting honey adulteration.
- South Africa’s regulatory framework for honey quality and labelling.
- Strategies to improve traceability, transparency and consumer trust across the honey value chain.
- Collaborative actions needed to strengthen South Africa’s bee and honey sector.
The event forms part of the work of the ASSAf Forum on Food Safety (AFFS), a multi-sectoral platform that brings together experts from academia, government, industry and civil society to address emerging food safety challenges through evidence-based dialogue and collaboration. By showcasing the role of science in protecting consumers and ensuring food authenticity, the seminar aligns with ASSAf’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence in service of society.
Event Details
Event: From Pollination to Palate: Building Consumer Trust in the South African Honey Value Chain
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Time: 09:00–16:00
Venue: Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria (hybrid)
Registration: https://buff.ly/mQle7lk
Hosts: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Forum on Food Safety (AFFS), in partnership with the University of Pretoria.