Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Management agrarischer Wertschöpfungsketten

Food Fraud Vulnerabilities in the EU Honey Supply Chain: A Telecoupling Approach

 

Topic: Food Fraud Vulnerabilities in the EU Honey Supply Chain: A Telecoupling Approach

Supervisors: Dr. Claudia Coral, Prof. Dr. Dagmar Mithöfer

Working Group: Agrifood Management Group, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and
Horticultural Sciences

Background
For a sector dominated by small and medium-sized beekeepers, honey fraud poses one a
major threat to the viability of beekeeping in Europe. Food fraud refers to deceptive practices
that alter or misrepresent food products for financial gain, often compromising quality and
safety. In honey, common types of fraud include dilution with syrups, mislabelling of the
botanical or geographical origin of the honey and other processes that alter the composition of
the natural honey.
Our research framed within the Horizon Europe WATSON project shows that food fraud
vulnerabilities in the honey sector extend beyond the product and supply chain level to include
social, political and ecological dynamics that influence stakeholders’ ability to respond
effectively to fraud.
The honey supply chain is deeply interconnected globally, with the European Union (EU)
heavily reliant on imported honey. This globalization creates a telecoupled system where
production, trade, and consumption occur in distant landscapes. The physical distance and
complexity of these transnational relationships introduce challenges in cooperation, data
quality, and data sharing, which are critical for addressing fraud vulnerabilities.

Research Approach and Aim
The research employs a telecoupling approach to analyse distant connections, mapping
material flows, and governance discrepancies, driving fraud risks. The telecoupling approach
also highlights the role of social dynamics—such as the power imbalances and economic
pressures faced by small-scale beekeepers—further emphasizing the need for equitable
interventions and stronger stakeholder support. The research aims to understand the complex
interrelations between distant systems in the honey value chain and develop targeted recommendations to reduce food fraud vulnerabilities.

 

Literature and Starting Point

 

Methods

  • Literature review on food fraud vulnerability and governance of the honey supply chain (case study location to be determined based on selection of major developing countries supplying honey to the EU, food fraud detection systems, etc. (e.g. China, Argentina, Mexico)
  • Data analysis on trade, production and consumption dynamics
  • Design interview guide and conduct expert interviews
  • Qualitative data analysis of interviews

Requirements

  • Student in economics, agricultural or development economics, natural resource management, geography, sustainability sciences or related fields of study, currently registered at a university in Germany or abroad
  • Good knowledge of English, Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage
  • Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
  • Experience or interest in learning spatial data analysis and visualisation is an advantage

We offer

  • Diverse and international research team
  • Research framed within a European Horizon Europe interdisciplinary project and access to project network
  • Friendly working environment and flexibility for independent and creative work
  • Supervision of the master’s thesis by the Agrifood Management Group staff

 

For further information and/or to submit your application (motivation letter and CV) in German or English as a PDF file, please send an email to: claudia.coral@hu-berlin.de