Smallholder farmers benefit from guaranteed market and capacity building
Honey Care Africa today launched a rebranded range of honey and healthy snack products. The occasion was officiated by the Deputy Director for Livestock Production Mr. Robin Mbae, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Established in 2000, Honey Care Africa has a rich history as a pioneer in both the honey industry in Africa and enterprise in general. The company started off as an NGO with the aim of connecting environment conservation and supporting rural farmers involved in beekeeping. We would offer hives, beekeeping equipment and training in beekeeping ultimately offering a ready market by purchasing their honey at fair trade prices. Today Honey Care Africa employs over 60 staff and has helped over 6,000 small-scale beekeepers (representing over 38,000 direct beneficiaries) earn a supplementary income of $180–250 per annum. For many, the income earned from honey production often makes the difference between living below or above the poverty line.
Honey Care CEO Mr. David Gachoki, says that the flagship product has been Beekeepers Honey which was named in honour of the smallholder beekeepers across the East African region from whom Honey Care sources honey. “The Beekeepers range is a blend of honeys from both the arid and semi-arid areas and the highly forested areas. Aside from Beekeepers there is also natural valued added variety of Mint, Cinnamon, Ginger and Lemon Ginger”. He adds.
Honey Care premium range includes Highland Honey harvested from highly vegetative areas and rich in medicinal value; Acacia Honey from arid and semi-arid areas full of acacia trees which give it a sweet distinct taste; and Select Harvest Honey which is harvested from distinct areas.
There are Peanut and Cashew Nut butters made with honey and free from artificial additives and preservatives. Finally, there are Yenoh Bitez Crackers, healthy snacks packed with nutritional benefits and made with all-natural ingredients such as honey, sesame seeds and peanuts.
Honey Care Africa has an exciting future as the firm leads Africa into the global honey and healthy snacks market.
Honey Care Africa has purposed itself to bring social impact by profitably providing trusted healthy honey products and snacks. They are providing high quality and nutritious honey products and snacks in a way that creates impact, value and makes a difference through their brands and actions.
Sustainable impact is a big part of their ethos and this is clearly demonstrated by guaranteeing competitive pricing for farmers and facilitating capacity building. According to Mr. David Gachoki, CEO Honey Care Africa, “We understand that sustainable economic development means creating financial value. It means improving social conditions and it means doing it in a way that supports not exploits the environment.
Honey Care Africa are also committed towards raising awareness about healthy snacking and environmental conservation. They therefore teach children about proper nutrition and the linkage with snacking while also encouraging and engaging them to grow with their environment by planting trees and flowers.
Benefits of consuming honey are many, used through the centuries till today as a natural energy booster and immune system builder. Honey also improves the digestive system, boosts brain function and has antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties.
Honey Care Africa products are available at leading supermarkets such as Tuskys, Naivas, Carrefour, Chandarana and even in the dukas around the estates.