German Beekeepers' Honey Jar
Lexikon
The beekeeper's honey jar with the guarantee seal of the German Beekeepers' Association is a registered trademark, not merely packaging.
The beekeeper's honey jar with the guarantee seal of the German Beekeepers' Association is a registered trademark, not merely packaging. Anyone wishing to use it must be a member of an affiliated beekeeping association, conclude a trademark usage agreement, and provide proof of competence in honey.
With the mark, the beekeeper commits to quality requirements that go beyond the Honey Regulation. The best-known example is water content: the Honey Regulation generally permits a maximum of 20 percent, while the quality guidelines of the German Beekeepers' Association require under 18 percent. Requirements are also stricter for enzyme activity and hydroxymethylfurfural, and the honey must come from German production.
The guarantee seal carries the beekeeper's identification number and also serves as a tamper-evident seal. Random checks under market surveillance verify that the promised quality is maintained. Anyone not using the mark sells their honey in neutral jars and is then bound only by the Honey Regulation and general labeling requirements. Comparable association marks exist in Austria and Switzerland with their own sets of rules.