Apimondia attended Apimell, the international trade fair dedicated to beekeeping, hive products, and equipment, held in Piacenza from 6 to 8 March 2026. The event brought together 130 exhibitors and more than 23,000 visitors, providing an important platform for exchanging products, technologies, and expertise within the beekeeping sector.

This year’s conference program focused on three key themes: bee health, the economics of beekeeping, and sector legislation. Experts discussed current and emerging threats to bees, including Vespa velutina and Vespa orientalis, as well as potential future risks such as Tropilaelaps mites. The importance of early detection and coordinated management strategies was strongly emphasized.

Economic challenges were also addressed, including the potential impact of the Mercosur agreement on European honey producers. Participants also explored new income opportunities for beekeepers, such as apitourism and broader commercialization of hive products, to support the sector’s sustainability.

Apimonida, through its Secretary General Riccardo Sebastianini Jannoni, presented its upcoming initiatives, including the new website and the weekly newsletter to inform on activities carried out and on the latest scientific news about bees.