Packaging and Selling Honeycomb: A Guide for South African Beekeepers
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Honeycomb is a premium bee product that appeals to customers looking for raw, unprocessed honey.
With proper harvesting, packaging, and storage, honeycomb can be sold at a higher price point than bottled honey.
This guide outlines how to prepare and sell honeycomb safely and attractively in South Africa.
What Is Honeycomb?
Honeycomb is natural beeswax filled with capped honey, harvested and sold as-is. It’s raw, edible, and unfiltered.
It contains:
- Fresh honey
- Beeswax (chewable)
- Trace amounts of pollen and propolis
✅ Considered a raw superfood by many consumers.
When to Harvest Honeycomb
- Best during peak nectar flow (spring and early summer).
- Use frames or bars with fully capped, white wax comb.
- Choose clean, uniform comb without brood.
✅ Use foundationless frames or comb guides for neat honeycomb sections.
How to Cut and Prepare Honeycomb
Tools Needed:
- Sharp stainless-steel knife or comb cutter
- Cutting board
- Food-safe gloves
- Ruler (for uniform pieces)
Steps:
- Chill comb slightly for easier cutting.
- Cut into squares or rectangles (250g to 500g works well).
- Let excess honey drain before packaging.
- Keep cool to prevent melting.
✅ Handle gently to avoid crushing soft wax cells.
Packaging Options
- PET or polystyrene clamshells (food-grade, transparent)
- Vacuum-sealed pouches (optional for high-end export)
- Glass jars (with cut comb immersed in liquid honey)
Labelling Must Include:
- Product name (e.g. Raw Honeycomb)
- Net weight
- Beekeeper contact details
- Harvest date or batch number
- Country of origin (e.g. Product of South Africa)
✅ Mention “raw” and “unprocessed” for marketing appeal if applicable.
Where to Sell Honeycomb
- Farmers’ markets
- Health food stores and farm stalls
- Gift shops and delis
- Online stores and social media
- Restaurants or chefs (for plating and gourmet menus)
Storage and Handling Tips
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dark place.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Do not freeze—this can damage comb texture.
- Use clean gloves and surfaces when packing.
✅ Honeycomb can last up to 1 year when stored correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling comb with brood cells – customers don’t want larvae.
- Handling comb with bare hands – affects appearance and hygiene.
- Using oversized or leaky containers.
- Cutting combs before they are fully capped.
Downloadable Checklist
Click here to download a honeycomb packaging and sales checklist (Coming soon!)
Final Thoughts
Honeycomb is a high-value product that showcases the purity of your hive.
With careful harvesting and attractive packaging, you can offer a premium item that sets your brand apart in the South African market.