#Japan #Tokyo #Honey Festival #Honey Meister #Honey of the Year

Honey of the Year Contest Begins: 9th Edition

The Japan Honey Meister Association is excited to announce the opening of entries for the 9th edition of the Honey of the Year Contest, coinciding with Honey Day on August 3rd. This annual event is dedicated to recognizing the most delicious honeys, not only promoting taste but also supporting the beekeeping community.

Honey, known for its health and beauty benefits, remains a popular choice among people of all ages. Yet, with over a thousand varieties worldwide, consumers often find it challenging to select the best honey. This contest seeks to bridge that gap by bringing together honey enthusiasts and qualified judges to choose the finest honeys across three distinct categories: Domestic, Import, and Japanese Bee Honey.

The purpose of the contest is twofold:

• - Spread the Word about Delicious Honey: By highlighting superior products, we aim to increase awareness and appreciation of high-quality honey.
• - Support Beekeepers: By recognizing and celebrating the hard work of honey producers, we hope to encourage sustainable practices in beekeeping.

Additionally, the contest will tie in with the Honey Festival 2026, set to take place on July 24-25 at the Ginza Phoenix Plaza. This festival will provide an opportunity for general attendees to sample and vote on their favorite honeys after tasting. The contest not only invites industry professionals but also engages the honey-loving public in the tasting and selection process.

Contest Entry Guidelines

All participants must comply with specific conditions to qualify:

• - Submit honey that consumers can purchase in Japan, divided into three categories (Domestic, Import, Japanese Bee).
• - Honey must have a sugar content of at least 78%.
• - Products with added sugars or non-honey ingredients are not eligible.
• - Honey infused with flavors, extracts, or adding flower petals is excluded.
• - A minimum of 300g of the same honey must be available to maintain flavor consistency during judging.
• - Participants must confirm they have ample stock during the final review phase; less than ten units will lead to automatic disqualification.

The contest is open to beekeepers, companies, and organizations selling honey in Japan, especially those certified by the association—either through self-nomination or by recommendation from certified Honey Advisors.

Entry Costs

Participants must pay:

• - ¥7,700 (tax included) for one entry.
• - ¥15,400 (tax included) for multiple entries.
• - Recommendations from certified members allow for one entry in each category without fee.

Key Dates

• - Entry Deadline: April 27, 2026 (Honey samples for evaluation must be submitted by May 8, 2026).
• - Judging Schedule:

- May: Initial tasting by association members.
- June: Second tasting by certified Honey advisors, followed by shortlisted announcements in early July.
- July: Final judging by food experts during the Honey Festival.
- August 3: Winning entries for each category will be announced as winners of the 9th Honey of the Year. Special awards based on festival visitors’ votes will also be given.

About the Japan Honey Meister Association

Founded in 2012, the Japan Honey Meister Association has dedicated itself to the promotion and education about honey and beekeeping. It offers training, workshops, and events such as the Honey Festival and the Honey of the Year Contest to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of honey culture in Japan. With diverse programs available, the organization continues to support beekeepers and promote honey as a vital product for health and enjoyment. Through these efforts, they strive to keep the craft of beekeeping alive and thriving, ensuring a bright future for honey lovers and producers alike.

For more details about the contest and to download application forms, please visit the official website.