BY Elisa Savietto IN Industry knowledgeHoney labels - All there is to know about labelling your product correctly
In supermarkets, boutique shops, online stores, and markets - a wide variety of honey is available. Honey labels play a key role in helping consumers navigate this array of choice, and access the important information about each product.
Essential information on honey labels
Honey jar labels come in many shapes and designs. Whether it’s forest honey, floral honey, acacia honey, or more unique varieties like the famous Manuka honey from New Zealand, each type of honey has its own unique label highlighting its unique characteristics. However, despite each label's distinctive design, certain elements are mandatory on all honey labels.
Definition: What is a personalised honey label?
Whether packaged in a jar, bottle, or tub, all honey sold in the UK—whether in supermarkets, boutique stores, online, or at markets—must have a label. A personalised honey label plays a key role in presenting the product by enhancing its visual identity and providing essential information about its origin, quality, and characteristics.
The front of the label typically features marketing elements such as the product name, illustrations, and logos, which are not subject to strict regulations. However, mandatory consumer information must be clearly displayed and comply with current regulations.
Mandatory information on a honey jar label
In the UK, legal information must be easily readable, indelible, and grouped together so that it can all be found in one place. In addition to regulatory requirements, beekeepers can include optional details to highlight their product, such as quality certifications, tasting recommendations, or environmental commitments.
Honey Labelling Regulations in the UK
In the UK, honey labels are strictly governed by several regulations:
- Honey regulations
- Consumer Code
- INCO Regulation on Consumer Information
- Pre-packaging regulations
- Price display regulations
- Lot identification regulations
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Legal requirements: Mandatory information on honey labels
Custom honey labels can vary in design and the information displayed. However, certain legal mentions must be included on every product. One of the most important pieces of information pertains to the origin of the honey: it is mandatory to specify the country (or countries) of origin. If the honey comes from multiple countries, the label must state that it is a blend of honeys from EU countries, non-EU countries, or both. Due to the large-scale import of honey into France, this information is found on many jars of honey sold in large retailers.
The following information must be stated on all honey labels:
02 Country of origin
03 Net quantity (weight)
04 Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer established in the EU
05 Storage instructions
06 Best before date (as determined by the manufacturer)
07 If the best-before date is not exact to the day: batch or lot number for traceability
Optional information on custom honey labels
While the mandatory information previously mentioned must appear on all custom honey labels, producers can always choose to include additional information. This optional information helps to enhance the product's value and assures quality to consumers.
Among the optional mentions are quality labels and certifications. Although not legally required, their use must comply with the conditions set by the certifying body - these include, for example, the 'British honey quality standard' trademark. This is legally protected and may only be used if the product meets the quality requirements set by the relevant UK standards.
Producers may also provide more specific information regarding the honey's origin: such as the production region or the botanical source, which refers to the plants from which the honey is derived (e.g., lavender honey, acacia honey, chestnut honey). Furthermore, some honey labels contain more detailed information regarding the method of production, texture, or quality. Honey labelled as ‘premium’, ‘selection’, ‘fine selection’ or ‘extra fine selection’, for example, must fulfil specific quality criteria, such as a particularly low water content.
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Additional information on personalised food labels
In addition to basic information on the origin, composition, and quality of the honey in question, the graphic design of the honey labels also plays an important role. It should also be noted that organic and fairtrade honey is subject to particularly strict regulations. Furthermore, manufacturers and distributors must also observe special regulations when selling processed foods containing honey.
Graphic design for honey labels
When creating custom honey labels, several content-related regulations must be met. However, apart from the requirements for readability and clarity of information, there are no specific regulations regarding the design of the label. While many honey jar labels feature a sealing tab for practicality, this is not mandatory. Producers can choose between adhesive and wet-glue labels.
Wet-glue labels need to be dampened with a sponge or cloth before being affixed to the honey jar. Meanwhile, adhesive labels can be easily applied like a sticker - simply by peeling them off their backing. Most honey producers prefer designs that feature honeycomb patterns and flowers because of their direct connection to beekeeping. However, they have complete freedom regarding the colours, illustrations, and shapes of their custom honey labels.
In the UK, several label manufacturers offer a wide range of models suitable for honey jar labels, allowing beekeepers and importers to choose a design that aligns with their brand. It is also possible to create custom labels and have them printed according to personal preferences.
Labelling requirements for organic and fair trade honey
Organic and fair trade products are gaining popularity and now represent a significant share of sales. For honey to have an organic or fair trade label, it must meet specific criteria defined by certification bodies. Therefore, custom honey labels can only mention the designation "organic" if they strictly comply with European regulations on organic beekeeping and honey production. These regulations cover various aspects, including the conditions for keeping bees and the production methods.
Organic honey must adhere to several requirements, such as the prohibition of wing clipping in queens and the total absence of chemical treatments or medications in the hives. In addition, the area within a 3 kilometre radius of the beehive must consist of wild plants or crops that are certified as organic according to European regulations.
Fair trade labels are not subject to specific legal regulations but must meet the criteria established by fair trade organizations. These criteria primarily focus on upholding fair working conditions and international social standards. Thus, purchasing fair trade honey ensures, among other things, that producers receive a minimum wage and decent working conditions.
Debate around the term honey and the labelling of processed foods containing honey
Honey is a natural product with no added substances. According to honey regulations, only a pure, unaltered substance can be marketed under the name "honey." Once an ingredient is added, the product becomes a processed food and must be labelled as such. Consequently, these products are subject to different labelling regulations.
When naming these products, the word "honey" cannot stand alone or appear first. Therefore, terms such as "honey with..." or "honey and..." are prohibited under British and European regulations. Manufacturers must use a more precise descriptive designation, such as "... with honey," "... containing honey," or "preparation based on honey and...". Additionally, any visual emphasis on the term "honey" (such as in large or bold font) is not allowed on these processed products.
Furthermore, processed products containing honey must include other mandatory mentions on their labels, including the ingredient list, nutritional labelling, and allergen information. These regulations aim to ensure transparency for consumers and to prevent confusion between pure honey and processed foods containing honey.
