Agropchel sells production inputs and then markets the honey products. As with many start-up businesses, the cooperative has worked hard to improve its bookkeeping systems. It has also instituted production and quality standards. 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.