World Bee Day: Mauritius Aims to Shine its Honey Internationally

Mauritius has the potential to position its honey among the best in the world, thanks to a focus on quality production, innovation, and better collaboration among beekeepers. This was stated by Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, during the celebration of World Bee Day on Tuesday, May 20, in Réduit.

The minister highlighted that Mauritius currently produces nearly 40 tons of honey per year, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity. He also advocated for a better marketing strategy to further promote Mauritian honey in international markets.

The beekeeping sector is showing progress. According to Deputy Minister Fabrice David, the number of registered beekeepers has increased from 659 in 2025 to 1,028 in 2026, while production rose from 35 to 40 tons during the same period. Despite this increase, local production remains insufficient to meet national demand, necessitating imports. Several measures have been announced to support the sector, including the expansion of beekeeping areas, planting nectar-bearing floral species, and enhancing capacity for queen bee rearing.

Arvin Boolell also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change for small island states like Mauritius, calling on youth to join the sector, which he described as a "means of livelihood and a lifeline." Under the theme "Bee Together for People and the Planet – A Partnership That Sustains Us All," the ceremony also featured the awarding of agreements to beneficiaries of beekeeping support programs and the distribution of vegetable plants to students at Ébène SSS.