Buy Ethiopia Beeswax Directly From Exporters & Suppliers - Best of 2024 Market Prices

Ethiopia beeswax is an important product both to the local and the international market. Beeswax yields much foreign exchange to the country. Ethiopia is the largest producer of honey and by-product beeswax in Africa followed closely by Zambia and Tanzania. 

 Beeswax is cultivated mainly by the small scale farmers. The government of Ethiopia has encouraged the use of modern methods in beekeeping to increases the production of honey and beeswax. The major honey production regions in Ethiopia are Oromia, Addis Ababa city, Tigray and Amhara.

The country exports about 5.5million metric tons of beeswax annually. This yields about $3.4millions.

The major export destinations of Ethiopia beeswax are China, Japan, Yemen Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Norway.

  A melting point ranging between (61-63.9) degrees Celsius characterizes beeswax, the boiling point of (57.9-65) degrees Celsius while the ester value is between 66.4 and 98. The acidic range value is (18 – 32.7). These ensure that the beeswax meets the export standards.

• Ethiopia beeswax is used in the manufacture of candles used in churches around the Addis Ababa city.
• It is also used to make pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and raw material in manufacturing industries.

 Farmers mostly hung beeswax over high trees. It is estimated that Horney from traditional beehives average up to 5-6 kilograms while that of modern hives range between 15-20 kilograms.

The collection of beeswax and honey is done after the rainy season, which starts in October and ends in December. Harvesting is also done partly between May –June.

During the harvesting phase, export agencies are sent to inspect the beehives are they will collect the honey and beeswax using modern methods to avoid contamination.

The wax combs are harvested when the bees are few to make the exercise easy. Harvesting is done mostly in the morning when the bees leave to look for nectar and pollen.

A smoker is used to draw the bees’ attention away from the harvester. Honeycombs are picked, and a honey brush is used to remove the bees gently and fingers are used to remove stuck bees. A capping knife is used to separate the combs from the frames. The wax and combs are then placed in a container fitted with lids.

Processing of beeswax involves two methods i.e.

• Extraction method-involves a wax press and boiling of water that carries up to 120 liters. The combs are immersed in 20-30 liters of water and are allowed to melt and the wiring is removed.
• Centrifugal extraction –This is an expensive method. Boiling water is used to melt the comb then the fluid is transferred into baskets fitted in a centrifugal wax extractor. 

Spinning is then done. Spinning is done at the rate of 1500rpm, with temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius to ensure that the wax does not settle. Automatically, pure wax goes through to the opening and out of the extractor. 

Beeswax is then put in very clean containers to ensure that its quality is retained. 

Beeswax is stored in dark rooms and under cold conditions. They are covered with wrapping paper to ensure they retain their honey-like aroma and color.

 Beeswax is transported to Bola airport by designed trucks 

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