Puerto Morelos Honey: A Sweet Economic Boost

PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico — With an annual production of three tons of honey, beekeeping in Puerto Morelos has proven to be a resilient activity with significant potential, even in the face of challenges such as drought affecting flower blooms. This was stated by Municipal President Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz, who underscored her administration's firm commitment to promoting and consolidating this tradition to turn it into an engine of well-being for local families.

“Today we have two societies that reflect the strength and diversity of our beekeeping: a cooperative that groups eight European honeybee producers, and a private association made up of five producers of Melipona, the native stingless bee. This honey, due to its unique quality and uses in fine baking, medicine, and cosmetics, achieves better prices in the market,” the mayor highlighted.

President Tziu Muñoz stressed that beekeeping not only preserves local identity and roots but also opens opportunities for dignified income, strengthening the local economy and projecting Puerto Morelos into new national and international markets.

Government Support for Beekeeping Groups

Ignacio Sánchez Herrera, Director of Agricultural Development, indicated that both beekeeping groups in Leona Vicario have support from the municipal government and the State Government, which have provided bee colonies, apiaries, and specialized equipment such as gloves, veils, and smokers.

He also noted that the eight beekeepers in the cooperative are part of a larger community of 35 producers, who together generate up to 15 tons of honey per year.

Goals for Export and Current Achievements

Manuel Góngora Sansores, Coordinator of Agricultural and Fisheries Development, explained that the immediate challenge is to reach a minimum production of 20 tons per year to access export markets more competitively.

However, he highlighted that a firm step has already been taken with the acquisition of the "Hecho en Quintana Roo" (Made in Quintana Roo) distinction. With this, the cooperative and the private association have achieved sales to Campeche, Yucatán, and Tabasco, and have even completed a first export to Canada.

It was also announced that the process to renew the certification for apiaries free of varroa mites will soon begin before the State Committee for the Promotion of Livestock Production. This certification is indispensable for guaranteeing honey quality and continuing the path toward export.

“Beekeeping is the present and future of Puerto Morelos. We will continue working so that this noble activity continues to bear fruit, preserves our traditions, and provides greater opportunities for well-being for our people,” concluded Blanca Merari.