CONSUMPTION PROFILE DIAGNOSIS OF Apis mellifera HONEY IN APARECIDA, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

Abstract

The beekeeping activity in the region of Aparecida, Paraiba is very widespread, as there are several beekeepers who produce and market honey through supermarket, direct to consumer or free market delivery. Knowing in detail the profile of the consumer market regarding their interests and requirements positively interferes with sales success. The honey consumer market is vast and diverse in its uses, being used as a medicinal therapeutic as a beauty product. The objective was to outline the honey consumer profile of Apis mellifera in Aparecida-PB, in relation to the influence, frequency, forms and the reason for consumption, as well as the places of purchase and the reliability of the information contained in the product packaging.. A questionnaire with 8 questions was used, which was applied to 53 consumers randomly in free markets of the city. Data were analyzed and expressed as percentages using the Microsoft Excel 2013 program. The participants' profile was characterized as 28% male and 72% female. The survey results showed that most participants started to consume honey willingly (55%), while others were influenced by referrals from friends (22%), advertising about the benefits of honey (17%) or referrals from the honey. nutritionist (6%). The majority (74%) of consumers of honey in appearance have no habit of consuming it daily but eventually, being used for medicinal purposes (53%), nutritious food (19%), or use as a beauty product to cleanse. skin or hair impurities (7%) and people who use all three forms (21%). The place of purchase of the product is preferably direct with producer or in free fairs. The most reported form of consumption was pure honey. Honey bee consumers in the city of Aparecida value product reliability.