But designing a marketing plan that generates sufficient income for members and the capital necessary for future expansion is a major problem it confronts. Other issues management faces include the guarantee of a consistent, quality production and a focus on the right value-added products. Some producers also view the cooperative as a purchaser of last resort. To confront this problem, Agropchel is instituting marketing agreements with producers. In addition, a regional warehouse collection system and market segmentation for certifiable organic honey are being considered.
Bulgarian beekeepers face many challenges in their transition to a consumer-driven market system.
In their response, they are heeding the wisdom of their medieval king. By uniting to improve the situation for the industry as a whole and joining together to form commercial cooperatives, they are creating for themselves a sweeter future.