The range of these products is enormous as described in an on-line book published by the Food and Agricultral Organization of the United Nations in Rome . The National Honey Board has been a leader in this activity over the years and continues to expand its effort in helping food technologists develop products that use honey . These include potato chips, spreads, meats and drinks. The Board also publishes information on food shows around the world and encourages beekeepers in a number of ways to niche-market their own products . Value-added products are an important part of the vertical integration of any beekeeping outfit.
Vertical integration is also something being employed by large agricultural concerns.
It allows companies to match technological developments upstream to consumer demand downstream, according to Mr. El Feki. It also helps companies control hygiene more rigorously, something, beekeepers may also turn to their advantage . Small-scale vertical integration is perhaps best illustrated in beekeeping outfits in Europe. French beekeepers routinely promote their own product and sell not only honey, but mead, nougat and spice bread made with their honey . They are also banding together in regional efforts to promote their products and services, most notably pollination .