Are you a beekeeper looking to turn your passion into profit? Whether you're a hobbyist with a few hives or an aspiring entrepreneur, collecting and processing honey for sale can be a sweet way to supplement your income. At Blue Sky Bee Supply, we're here to help you make the most of your beekeeping operation—from hive to harvest.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to effectively collect, process, and sell honey in the USA, with a focus on quality, compliance, and profitability.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment for Honey Harvesting
Before harvesting, make sure your beekeeping gear is in top shape. Essential items include:
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Bee suits and gloves – for safety and comfort
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Smokers – to calm your bees
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Uncapping knives or forks – to remove wax caps from honeycomb
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Honey extractors – manual or electric for efficient extraction
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Honey strainers and buckets – to filter and store your honey
🔧 Find all your honey harvesting tools at Blue Sky Bee Supply’s Harvesting Equipment section.
Step 2: Know the Right Time to Harvest
Timing is everything. You want to collect honey when:
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Most of the combs are at least 80% capped
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The honey has a moisture content under 18.6%, which ensures long shelf life
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Nectar flow has slowed down and the bees have reduced foraging
Avoid harvesting too early—uncured honey may ferment and spoil, reducing its sale value.
Step 3: Extract and Process Honey with Care
After removing the frames from the hive:
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Uncap the combs using a hot knife or uncapping fork.
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Place frames into a centrifugal honey extractor.
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Spin to extract honey, then let sit in your collection pail/tank for 24-48 hours to let settle and bubbles rise to the top. Skim debris and foam.
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Strain it through a double sieve to remove wax and debris
🐝 Tip: Maintain hygiene during the entire process. Use food-grade containers and sterilized tools to preserve honey quality.
Step 4: Comply with Local and Federal Regulations
To legally sell honey in the USA, you must comply with food safety regulations. Consider the following:
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Label your honey with:
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Product name (e.g., "Raw Wildflower Honey")
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Net weight
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Contact information
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Ingredients (if flavored or blended)
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Some states require food processing licenses or cottage food permits
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You may also need to register with the FDA or your state’s Department of Agriculture
📌 Pro Tip: Check with your local extension office or state beekeeping association for specific requirements.
Step 5: Package and Market Your Honey Like a Pro
Once your honey is processed and legal to sell, it’s time to focus on packaging and marketing:
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Use glass or BPA-free plastic jars with tamper-proof lids
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Create eye-catching, compliant labels (available at Blue Sky Bee Supply!)
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Highlight your honey’s origin, floral source, and whether it’s raw or filtered
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Sell at farmers markets, local shops, online stores, or directly from your home
💡 Build your brand with custom honey labels and gift packaging supplies from Blue Sky Bee Supply.
Bonus: Maximize Profits with Value-Added Honey Products
Looking to boost profits beyond raw honey sales? Try creating or purchase to resell:
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Flavored honeys (cinnamon, lavender, chili-infused)
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Honey sticks and comb honey
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Beeswax products like candles, lip balms, and salves
Blue Sky Bee Supply carries all the tools you need to create high-quality value-added products that customers love.
Start Selling Honey and Supplement Your Income Today
Harvesting and selling honey is a rewarding way to supplement your income while doing something you love. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can build a small-scale honey business right in your backyard.
At Blue Sky Bee Supply, we offer everything from beginner kits to commercial-grade equipment to help you succeed every step of the way.
Buzz on over to our store and start building your honey business today!
