Here are the secrets to growing my honey business fast

A training Anne Ng’etich took in 2016 opened her eyes to huge opportunities in the honey value chain.

Before that, she just sold her honey along the road in Koriema, Baringo County, using bottled water. This meant that its customers were limited to those using the Kabarnet-Marigat highway.

The value addition training was provided by the Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP).

To start her value-added business, she got 20,000 shillings from her bank table group. She knew she was taking a big risk because she didn’t know how the business would turn out. However, she was ready to test her entrepreneurial spirit.

“If you want to make a profit, you have to be willing to take risks,” says Ms. Ng’etich.

“Although I had minimal business management skills, I seized the opportunity of beekeeping and commercial honey production after realizing that traditional honey producers faced market challenges. .”

Her risk paid off, however, as the business grew and she now has clients all over the country. The training, she notes, was a game-changer.

“Since I received training in new packaging techniques from ASDSP in 2016, I have moved away from recycled beverage bottle packaging,” she notes.

The entrepreneur currently buys honey from dozens of farmers in Baringo County. She then packs it as Koriema Honey Packers.

“The customer base has grown and I now have supermarkets and retail stores across the country and I even have orders for the export market,” says Ms Ng’etich, adding that she has markets in Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu.

“My honey is sourced from beekeepers living in and around greater Baringo County, primarily in Tiaty.”

Every Monday, Mrs. Ng’etich buys honey from farmers worth 100,000 shillings. Although it depends on farmers for raw materials, it also has its own 10 beehives.

“At first, I used to buy honey worth 20,000 shillings, but that gradually increased as I continued to reinvest my profits,” she says.

She sells her honey for 700 shillings a kilo and five liters for 4,500 shillings. Although she works on commission, she still does roadside sales. She says she decided to venture into the honey business to avoid sitting at home.

“The honey adventure would allow me to stay at home but earn some money,” says Ms. Ng’etich.

Besides her daughter who helps her run the business, she has employed another person. Ms. Ngetich says Baringo honey is of superior quality due to a favorable tropical climate.

The species of bee found in this region is Apis Mellifera Yemenitica commonly known as bee. Its advantages are that it is resistant and survives drought conditions and has a high honey yield.

Ms. Ng’etich says the main challenge she faces is the scarcity of honey, with certain seasons affecting prices.

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