Bee man honey instead of Böhmermann honey - beekeepers with a new idea

The "beewashing" honey that became famous as a result of the "honey dispute" between ZDF satirist Jan Böhmermann and Saxon beekeeper Rico Heinzig is running out. The product, also known as Böhmermann honey, has been on sale again since the last-instance decision in the summary proceedings in mid-July at the Dresden Higher Regional Court (OLG). The Meissen beekeeper now wants to sell the last of the 3,000 jars at his stand at the Christmas market at the Frauenkirche in Dresden. "When the 600 jars are gone, we'll run out," said Heinzig. But the PR professional already has a replacement for the product known as Böhmermann honey: Bienenmann honey.

Dispute over honey advertisement with Böhmermann

Heinzig the beekeeper used Böhmermann's likeness and name to advertise the controversial product and wanted it to be seen as satire after the TV personality presented the beekeeper on his show "ZDF Magazin Royal". In the segment in early November 2023, Böhmermann criticized companies that award bee sponsorships to companies and declare this as a commitment to sustainability and species protection. He cited Heinzig and its MyHoney GmbH as examples and spoke of "beewashing" - a term for a form of so-called greenwashing, i.e. misleading advertising with alleged ecological benefits of a product.

Heinzig turned the tables and provided honey from his production with a "beewashing" label, placing a display in a Dresden supermarket that showed the name and picture of the celebrity with the addition "Leading bee and beetle expert recommends". Böhmermann saw his personal rights violated, sent a cease-and-desist letter and then followed up with a temporary injunction - ultimately without success. However, he still has the option of going to the main proceedings - but the Dresden Regional Court has not yet received a corresponding lawsuit.

"Stone of contention" wins international awards

Heinzig and his company received a lot of publicity, solidarity and even an international award for the "honey dispute", which made headlines for weeks: several prizes for the "Beewashing Honey" at the London Honey Awards 2024. Heinzig also pleaded for local honey against the backdrop of cheap and adulterated competitor products from China, for example. "At the beekeeper around the corner or in the organic store, the risk of the contents not delivering what the label promises is vanishingly small."