At Lal The Honey Company, every jar of honey tells a story, not just about Ethiopia's rich biodiversity but also about the people behind the hive. Our mission goes beyond creating a premium honey product. We're here to uplift the beekeeping communities across Ethiopia, promote sustainable honey practices, and ensure that every drop is ethically sourced.
Preserving Tradition with Purpose
Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest beekeeping nations, where honey isn’t just a product, but a part of cultural identity. By sourcing directly from beekeepers in regions like Tigray, Gera, Bale, Gondar, and Gambella, Lal Honey celebrates the distinct taste profiles of each region while also preserving indigenous methods passed down through generations.
These regions are home to some of the planet's most flavorful and unique honeys, thanks to diverse floral ecosystems and traditional harvesting techniques. We work with smallholder beekeepers who still use time-honored methods that honor both the bees and the environment.
Our Ethical Honey Sourcing Model
Transparency is at the core of our sourcing model. We engage directly with beekeepers, ensuring they receive fair wages and support. By cutting out middlemen, we create a more equitable supply chain that allows profits to go directly into the hands of those who produce the honey.
We also provide training on ethical honey sourcing, focusing on non-invasive harvesting, hive maintenance, and sustainable practices that protect pollinator health. Our support system includes access to tools, protective gear, and guidance on meeting international food safety standards—empowering our partners to grow their craft.
Empowering Beekeepers in Ethiopia
Lal The Honey Company currently supports over 200 beekeepers across five major regions in Ethiopia. Many of our partners are women and young people seeking alternative livelihoods in rural areas. Beekeeping offers a powerful avenue for economic independence, and our goal is to make it a viable, sustainable career.
Each partnership begins with dialogue—understanding the needs of the community and tailoring our support. For some, it’s technical training; for others, it's about access to better market opportunities. In each case, our goal is to build trust, nurture talent, and provide ongoing mentorship.
Sustainable Honey for a Better Future
Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Ethical honey sourcing means:
- Protecting Biodiversity: Our honey comes from forests, wildflower meadows, and highland ecosystems that thrive under natural pollination.
- Low-impact Harvesting: We encourage harvesting techniques that allow bees to retain enough honey for their colonies and reduce hive stress.
- Education and Awareness: We educate customers on the importance of sourcing sustainable honey and how their choices impact ecosystems and livelihoods.
Why It Matters
When you buy a jar of Lal Honey, you’re not just purchasing a sweetener. You’re investing in beekeepers in Ethiopia, helping them grow their businesses and strengthen their communities. You’re supporting practices that protect the environment and promote pollinator health. And you’re preserving a centuries-old tradition that connects people, place, and purpose.
Every Jar Has a Story
Take our Tigray White Honey, for example. This rare, creamy-white honey is sourced from highland forests at over 2,000 meters elevation. Its delicate floral flavor is a reflection of the region’s wild herbs and blossoms. By partnering with local cooperatives in Tigray, we ensure that the unique flavor profile of this honey is preserved—and that the people who produce it can thrive.
Or consider our Gera Honey, known for its rich, buttery texture. It comes from the lush rainforests of southwestern Ethiopia, where beekeeping is deeply entwined with the local ecosystem. We’re proud to work alongside these communities to bring their honey to the world stage.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to ethical honey sourcing continues to evolve. As we grow, we aim to expand our beekeeper network, provide even greater resources for training and development, and lead the way in transparency and traceability.
We’re also exploring certification partnerships that will validate our sustainability efforts and give customers even more confidence in their purchase.
Join Us
At Lal Honey, we believe that the future of honey lies in sustainable, community-driven production. Every purchase helps us deepen our impact and widen our reach.
Want to learn more about our mission and the people behind the honey? Visit our About page and join the movement to make ethical honey sourcing the standard.