Honey production in Italy: quality, sustainability, and innovation strategies of companies in the Abruzzo region

In Italy, the beekeeping sector is extremely diversified and heterogeneous due to the production conditions, the seasonal production yield influenced by the weather, and the small economic dimension of the operators. The study aims to explore the attention of small Italian honey production companies to the quality of the product and their relationship with markets and consumers, highlighting the main difficulties encountered, the innovations introduced, and the predisposition to preserve the environment. The research method adopted is a mixed method in which qualitative and quantitative data are included. The qualitative data are derived from the analysis of a multiple case study developed by interviewing the owners of six Abruzzo honey production companies. Respondents were also asked to fill out a small questionnaire to assess some aspects detailed during the interview quantitatively. The study shows that interviewed companies are microsized and family-run, and their target market is purely local and regional. They are oriented towards lower and qualitatively higher production with a higher price, covering a niche segment of the market. Companies are open to innovation and have had to manage significant changes in the sector over the years. Attention to environmental issues is a fundamental aspect.