Harvesting areas in Latin America

The heritage of the Maya

In Mexico, beekeeping is more than just a profession, it is a cultural heritage. As far back as the Mayan civilisation, the bee was already being revered as a link to the gods. This deep-rootedness can still be felt today. In particular on the Yucatán Peninsula and in the central highlands, our partners often work in rural cooperatives. There are many small family businesses that proudly preserve the traditions of their ancestors and work to preserve nature in their homeland.

Sun, highlands and blossoms

Mexico’s landscapes are filled with contrasts, just like the honey that they yield. On the sun-drenched plateaus and in the tropical zones, the bees find a unique flora. Particularly characteristic are the wild variety of highland flowers (such as the acahual flower) and the extensive citrus-fruit plantations in the province of Nuevo León.

Mild flavour

Mexican honey is popular worldwide for its smooth, rounded flavour. This is where we primarily source our mildly flavoured varieties and the popular highland honey. It brings the warmth of Mexico directly into the jar and rounds off our compositions perfectly.

Between rainforest and volcanoes

Guatemala is characterised by unspoilt, wild nature. Beekeeping is practised here far away from industrial centres. Small farms, often in remote areas, use beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood that protects the forest instead of clearing it. This harmonious co-operation between man and nature ensures a quality that you can taste.

Tropically lush

Guatemala’s volcanic soils are extremely fertile. In the humid tropical forests and on the mountain slopes, flowers bloom all year round. The “campanilla” (a species of morning glory) plays a special role here. Its funnel-shaped blooms are typical of the region and provide an abundance of nectar when the dry season begins.

Flowery delight

For us, honey from Guatemala is an insider tip. It is often characterised by a pale colour and an aromatic, flowery sweetness. It is particularly valued for its liquid consistency: It crystallises very finely and is therefore an ideal base for our creamy honey specialities, which literally melt in the mouth.

Beekeepers and gauchos

When we think of Argentina, we often visualise an endless expanse. And this is precisely where our partners are at home. Argentinian beekeeping is particularly prominent in the Pampas – vast, open grasslands. Similar to the traditional cattle herders, the gauchos, the beekeepers here also live in harmony with the seasons and the vastness of the land. It is a beekeeping craft that requires patience and experience.

Sea of clover and thistles

The Pampa is the country’s granary and pastureland, but for bees it is one thing above all others: an endless sea of flowers. Clover, alfalfa and wild thistles dominate here and characterise the pale honey. Further north, in the province of Entre Ríos, there are also eucalyptus trees. The clear air and low population density in the harvesting areas guarantee an unadulterated enjoyment of nature.

A well-rounded flavour

Argentinian honey is particularly valuable to us. It is known for its predominantly pale colour and mild, pleasant flavour. It is not overpowering but nevertheless full-bodied, and forms the basis for the consistently high quality of our popular blossom honeys.

Guardians of the wilderness

Brazil is a giant of biodiversity. The beekeepers with whom we work often see themselves as guardians of this unique natural environment. In many regions of Brazil, beekeeping is the best way to utilise the forest without harming it. Ecological beekeeping enjoys a particularly high status here.

Eucalyptus to jungle

Brazil’s flora is overwhelming. The bees find their food both in the huge eucalyptus forests in the south and south-east and in the wild floral splendour of the subtropical zones. The arid Caatinga region in the north-east with its hardy plants also provides exciting honeys. Nature is so powerful here that the bees can be active all year round.

Spicy delight

Brazil provides us with honeys with character. The forest honeys are often slightly darker and have a spicy, malty flavour. Brazilian blossom honey has a “wild” note, sometimes with a sweet, slightly menthol flavour due to the eucalyptus. Honey connoisseurs are able to recognise this.

Quality over quantity

Chilean honey is backed by a vibrant community of around 13,000 beekeepers. In mostly small family businesses, they have often been tending their beehives for generations. The application of traditional beekeeping methods is of particular importance in Chile.

An isolated flora

Chile’s location is extraordinary: desert to the north, glaciers to the south, the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This location creates a flora that cannot be found anywhere else. Honey production is centred in the temperate rainforests of the south, such as the Valdivian rainforest. Here the bees can collect the nectar of native trees such as ulmo (Eucryphia cordifolia), quillay (Quillaja saponaria) and tiaca (Caldcluvia paniculata).

Tradition and flavour

Honey has a long tradition in Chile that is closely linked to the Mapuche, the indigenous people of the south. Long ago, they used honey not only as food, but also as a natural remedy. Our local partner beekeepers are continuing this work. Chilean honey is characterised by a particularly aromatic flavour that is appreciated by honey connoisseurs.

Concepción Orellana Vera – our partner in Chile

In Puente Alto, Chile, on the edge of the Andes, Concepción Orellana Vera manages her beekeeping business, “Apícola Doña Isidora”, with tireless passion. With assistance from her husband and son, the 72-year-old has been nurturing around 400 bee colonies for more than four decades. She is one of our selected partner beekeepers in Latin America.