Melibio’s journey is as unique as it is impactful, driven by a vision to create a sustainable future for honey production without the traditional reliance on bees. Born from a desire to protect bee biodiversity and develop reliable, environmentally conscious supply chains, Melibio’s work challenges conventional practices in the honey industry. By offering innovative, bee-free honey alternatives that replicate the taste and benefits of traditional honey, Melibio is carving a new path in the food and beverage sector while contributing to biodiversity protection.
With their groundbreaking approach, Melibio not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by invasive bee species but also sets a new standard for sustainability in food technology. The company’s recent presence at Gulfood Green Dubai demonstrated its commitment to global collaboration, particularly in regions that are rapidly embracing eco-conscious alternatives. This event marked a milestone for Melibio, as it showcased its role as a pioneer in foodtech to an international audience keen on sustainable solutions.
As Melibio looks toward global markets, it’s actively exploring partnerships and growth opportunities in Latin America and the Middle East, two regions where honey demand is on the rise and ecological considerations are becoming more central. Education is at the heart of Melibio’s mission as they strive to inform consumers about the benefits of their bee-free products. Through its continued growth, Melibio aspires to leave a legacy of innovation and environmental stewardship, contributing to a world where bee-free honey production benefits people and the planet alike.
In an exclusive interview with LatinGulf.ae, we delve into the story behind Melibio, its unique value proposition, and its ambitious goals for the future. Here’s what Melibio’s founder had to share:
Could you tell us about the origins of Melibio and your vision for the future of the company?
MeliBio was born out of love for bees and products they make. After spending a decade in the commercial bee honey industry as an executive, I realized that change needs to happen.
Relying on invasive Apis Mellifera species to make honey and other bee products is damaging bee biodiversity and making supply chains unreliable, expensive and damaging and making customers across food, beverage, cosmetics and pharma industries suffering.
What sets Melibio apart from other companies in the alternative honey industry, and how does it address key environmental concerns?
MeliBio is advancing and commercializing science that empowers us to make bee products without honeybees. Our products are 1:1 replacement to the ones that bees make, just without many pain points I mentioned in the previous question.
Our approach is sustainable and makes a positive impact on the Planet by removing the pressure of invasive honeybees and empowering nature to restore balance within bee biodiversity. There are 20,000 wild and native bee species and we need to lift pressure on them to make our Planet green. We also need to meet demands for bee products so we came up with the sustainable bee-free technology
What motivated your participation in Gulfood Green Dubai, and how important is this event for the future growth of Melibio?
It was my first time at the event, and I was motivated to join to share our progress at MeliBio and the vision of a world we are building. I was impressed with Dubai’s foodtech ecosystem and I am excited to see MeliBio more present there.
How does Melibio contribute to global sustainability efforts, and what role does innovation play in this mission?
We give bees a break and lift pressure on 20,000 wild and native bee species. Our innovation revolves around making real products that bees make, just without their labor. I think it is pretty amazing to see how we can deploy science to make delicious and nutritious products at no cost or at benefit for our Planet.
How do you view Latin America in terms of future business opportunities, particularly in the context of plant-based or alternative food markets?
Latin America is a huge region for honey manufacturing, as well as an important part of the world with a growing population and consumers who want better for themselves and the Planet. I am excited to see how things develop in Latin America, especially about some potential global trends that can be launched from that region.
I am excited to see how things develop in Latin America, especially about some potential global trends that can be launched from that region.
What are some of the main challenges Melibio faces in expanding to regions like Latin America or the Middle East?
Our current focus right now is the US, then Europe. Latin America and the Middle East are on our radar because of honey manufacturing and honey consumption that is growing. MeliBio aims to be the global leader of the Honey 2.0 industry that’s bee-free and these regions will play an important role in our future expansion.
Can you share any collaborations or partnerships that have been key to Melibio’s growth, especially in the context of the MENA or Latin American markets?
We have substantial interest from potential customers in Latin America, as well as interest from MENA in terms of future scale up projects.
How important is consumer education in the acceptance of alternative products, and what steps is Melibio taking to ensure consumers understand the benefits of alternative honey?
Consumers want to learn more, but their attention span is short. Foodtech companies have to do more in terms of instant education with narratives that everyone can understand. MeliBio is doing our piece in educating people on the importance of bees and how the commercial bee industry is not great for the bees. We will continue doing that by not pointing fingers, but offering a 1:1 sustainable replacement in terms of our bee-free products.
Are there any exciting projects or markets Melibio plans to enter in the near future, especially after your participation at events like Gulfood?
Definitely great opportunities for growth. Gulfood was a great place to learn about UAE’s infrastructure scale up and investment opportunities.
How do you see Melibio shaping the future of the global honey industry, and what legacy would you like the company to leave?
Our legacy will be that we set the bees free while meeting demand from industries seeking to incorporate amazing ingredients that are now produced in a sustainable and bee-free way.