Caribbean Honey Wins Top Honors at UK National Honey Show

Caribbean honey is among the best in the world. Photo: public domain.

Major Wins for Dominica and St. Lucia

Beekeepers from Dominica and St. Lucia have made a significant impact at the 2024 UK National Honey Show, the world’s top honey competition, held in London from October 24-26.

For the first time in history, Dominica entered the competition and won First Place in the International Honey category. La Vie Miel, a Dominican honey brand created by Nathaniel Lovell, earned this award, showcasing the high quality of Dominican honey.

Saint Lucia also had a major win. It took First Place in the “Best International Honey, Class 10: One Jar of Clear Honey” category.

Regional Beekeeping Support

The recent wins by Saint Lucia and Dominica are due to regional beekeeping support like the Hewanorra (OECS) Honey Show, launched in 2021. The show is organized by the Iyanola Apiculture Collective with help from regional and international agencies.

Richard Matthias, the Collective’s President, said, “Beekeeping was a main part of the Caribbean economy for 200 years. We hope to keep this tradition alive for its economic and environmental benefits.”

Need for Regional Policies

Local beekeepers have called for standard testing and safeguards against imported honey that may be diluted. OECS and other groups see the success of Dominican and Saint Lucian beekeepers as proof of the Caribbean’s ability to compete globally. They stress the need for ongoing support to grow the industry.

Conclusion

The wins by Saint Lucia and Dominica at the UK National Honey Show are a testament to the quality and potential of Caribbean honey. With the right support and policies, the region can continue to thrive in the global honey market.

FAQ

Q: What are the top honey-producing countries in the Caribbean?
A: The Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago are among the top honey-producing countries in the Caribbean.

Q: Why is the EU’s Residue Monitoring Plan a hindrance to Caribbean honey exports?
A: The plan requires testing facilities that are currently unavailable locally, making it difficult for Caribbean honey producers to meet the EU’s standards.

Q: What is the potential for Caribbean honey exports?
A: With the exit of the UK from the EU, the British market may be more open to Caribbean honey producers. Additionally, the Dominican Republic has already exported $870,000 worth of honey in 2022, primarily to the United States.