The Munich-based startup nearBees brings honey from small-scale beekeepers to the shelves of Bavarian stores.
NearBees has been connecting honey lovers with local beekeepers online for some time now. Thanks to innovative, eco-friendly packaging, customers can purchase local honey directly from their local beekeeper. Now, this "honey from next door" is also available in Bavarian retail stores. The startup aims to improve access to local blossom honeys and regional varietal honeys.
New nearBees honey cup for retail
According to the company, nearly 98% of the more than 110,000 German beekeepers practice beekeeping as a hobby. However, marketing and distribution are too complex for many amateur beekeepers. By bundling the products of the many small beekeepers, the Munich-based company can offer retailers a year-round range of local honey. As well as for online delivery, the startup has developed a new honey packaging solution for this purpose. The nearBees honey cup is made entirely from renewable raw materials.
An intended side effect of distributing local honey is to support small-scale beekeepers and thus combat bee decline. The company was awarded the "Project N" quality seal by the German Council for Sustainable Development in January. Last year, the startup won the GreenTec Award in the Lifestyle category.
