What do I need to know if I want to sell honey from my hives?

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It is, after all, what many beekeepers get into the hobby for… to sell honey and make some money! But do you know all of the ins-and-outs of taking your product to market?

Bottles of honey getting ready for final weighing and harvest dating.

This article is specific to selling honey in Missouri. Other states may have other requirements, so please do a bit of research to find out exactly what you may need to do.

In Missouri, you can sell honey directly to friends, family, coworkers, and at farmers markets and similar venues without having a commercial kitchen or inspections under the Missouri Cottage Food Law, which was enacted on August 28, 2014 (SB 525) (HB1421). That being said, there are still some rules to follow.

As a hobbyist or small-time honey producer,

Your bottles or jars need to have a principle display panel (the front label, for example) and the iconic Information Panel (IP) (typically the back label). For jars, you can use one label provided both sections are on there. The list to the right itemizes what is required for your labelling.

Front Label

  • Product’s common name
  • Net quantity (weight in English) and metric (grams)
  • Name & address

Back Label

  • Nutrition Facts
  • Ingredient List
  • Contact Information (if not on the front label)
  • List of any major allergens if present
  • Statement that “This product was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to inspection by the Missouri Dept of Health and Senior Services”
  • Statement such as “Honey is not recommended for infants less than twelve (12) months of age”

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