Egypt's Honey Heartland Faces Crisis as Costs and Controversies Mount

A century-old tradition is at risk as Egypt's famed honey village grapples with soaring prices and damaged trust. Can new markets save it?

, and Administrator

2026 March 28 . 10:02 AM

2 min read

The image shows an old book with a drawing of a beehive in the middle of it, surrounded by plants... — The image shows an old book with a drawing of a beehive in the middle of it, surrounded by plants and trees. The text on the paper reads "Wee, bring the honey to the hive, but others, by our labour's thrive".

Egypt's Honey Heartland Faces Crisis as Costs and Controversies Mount

Shabshir Al Hissa, a small Egyptian village, has been the heart of the country's honey industry for nearly a century. Its bees play a vital role in pollinating crops like wheat, citrus and strawberries, boosting yields by as much as 60%. But rising costs and recent controversies now threaten this long-standing tradition. The village's beekeeping roots stretch back to the 1940s, when King Farouk launched a modernisation programme. This initiative turned Shabshir Al Hissa into Egypt's top honey producer, supplying over 70% of the nation's output. For decades, its honey and bees have been in high demand, both locally and abroad.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia briefly halted Egyptian honey imports over concerns about health standards. The ban was later lifted, and demand rebounded, with new buyers emerging in India and Pakistan. Yet challenges remain. A viral controversy erupted when two bloggers tested popular Egyptian honey brands and claimed they found poor quality, further damaging the industry's reputation. Egypt's economic struggles have also taken a toll. Soaring inflation has pushed up the cost of beekeeping supplies, forcing many to cut back. The price of a single hive in the village has jumped from 150 Egyptian pounds ($3.10) to over 600 ($12.50). To revive production, beekeepers are now calling for government-backed training centres, stricter regulations, and more support. Looking ahead, the village aims to expand into European markets. Securing new export deals could help stabilise the industry and protect its future.

Shabshir Al Hissa's honey industry faces steep challenges, from rising costs to quality concerns. But with plans to enter new markets and calls for stronger government backing, the village hopes to safeguard its legacy. The success of its bees remains crucial—not just for honey production, but for Egypt's wider agricultural sector.