Batumi Honey Festival Makes a Buzzing Return
On August 19th-20th Batumi celebrated the revival of its beloved Honey Festival. After a brief hiatus, the festival returned, attracting both locals and tourists. The festival featured different varieties of the finest Georgian honey and all things beekeeping related. Attendees were provided a chance to explore and purchase honey varieties and other bee-related products from forty participant beekeepers and beekeeping companies originating from various regions of Georgia. As part of the festival's agenda, a variety of entertaining activities, including live music, competitions, and masterclasses were organized.
Since its inception in Batumi back in 2015, the Honey Festival has undergone an impressive evolution, diversifying in terms of its format and venues. This year marks the fifth festival to be held in Batumi. The festival has blossomed into a much-anticipated event, attracting widespread attention and the active participation of honey enthusiasts, private sector companies and the support of the local government. A significant milestone occurred in June 2023 when the Georgian Beekeepers Union (GBU) elevated the festival to new heights by hosting it in Tbilisi. The festival now serves as a prominent platform for promoting Georgia's thriving beekeeping industry.
‘The participating beekeepers have a significant enhancement in their branding and communication skills, which is a valuable outcome of these festivals. Such events serve as highly effective platforms for generating fresh ideas that further promote collaboration within the industry.’ – Roland Ghoghoberidze, the Chairman of ABBA.
The Ajarian Beekeeping Business Association (ABBA) in collaboration with the GBU took the lead in organizing the event, which was supported by the Ajara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara Autonomous Republic, and facilitated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Sweden funded ALCP2.
Photo credits: the Ajarian Beekeeping Business Association and the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara A/R