There is truly nothing as sweet as honey and when Omosede Imohe discovered there was a dearth of well packaged and unadulterated Nigerian honey in the market she decided to do some research. Her research led to the establishment of Waye’s Bee Co in 2018. Let’s hear more about her journey in her own words.

Waye’s Bee Co. was established in 2018 to produce and package honey to international standards. The journey to Waye’s Bee Co. started when I discovered that our local honey in most cases could be considered just as good as or even better than foreign honey brands. However, this wasn’t always reflected in the packaging. So I saw an opportunity to brand local honey and make it look attractive. Whilst researching the industry, I made two important findings which has helped structure the business:

Firstly I discovered honey production is very limited in Nigeria and therefore honey supply is not stable all year round. This accounts for why about 90 % of the honey consumed in Nigeria is imported. Our local production is very limited and typically done by rural beekeepers. I decided to set up my own bee hives so that I am guaranteed a minimum supply of honey annually. I am also able to guarantee the authenticity of honey from my own hives.

I also discovered there are several varieties of honey. In the US there are over 300 varieties of honey in the US and a lot more globally. In Nigeria, there is not enough information to determine how many varieties are available. However, due to the differences in climate across Nigeria and abundance of rich vegetation, there are possible hundreds of varieties of honey. Honey will differ in taste, aroma and colour depending on the floral source of the bee’s nectar. As a result, Waye’s Bee Co. packages varietal honey which is essentially honey based on the source of the bees’s nectar We currently have 3 varietals:

Citrus Blossom Honey, Wild Forest Honey and our Signature Honey. , we also plan to introduce other varietals at various times of the year. We have recently introduced Shea Blossom Honey which is honey sourced from bee hives placed around shea nut trees.

REVIEW

Well after hearing about the amazing varieties of honey produced by Waye’s Bee Co I couldn’t wait to try some.

Firstly, the packaging is top-notch and apart from the classic bear squeeze bottle Waye’s honey comes in regular sized jars  and small sample size jars which would be great as a party favour. If the packaging is anything to go by then one can be sure this is great quality honey, but like it’s often said  the taste of the pudding is in the eating so I tasted all three varieties and my verdict is below!

Citrus Blossom Honey: This variety comes in a classic glass jar and according to the label information it’s sourced from local beekeepers in Benue State where orange orchards are abundant. This honey has a light golden colour and a slight citrus flavour making it the perfect substitute for pancake syrup or a great addition to greek yoghurt. Also the citrus flavour will make it more interesting for treating children’s cough and colds. Try adding a dash of lemon for an extra boost of vitamin C which is essential for fighting colds.

 Wild Forest Honey: This honey is described as a unique blend of honey drawn from a variety of botanical origins produced by Nigerian beekeepers. It possesses a strong, tart taste offering excellent therapeutic qualities for medicinal purposes. This honey has a rich dark hue, more texture and a little goes a long way. I enjoyed it immensely and I intend to use it to treat my own colds and as a sugar substitute.

Signature Honey: This is also a unique blend of honey from different botanical origins. This Honey has a mild taste with a touch of sweetness of the three varieties this tastes more like the regular variety most people are used to.

1. Which was my favourite? To be honest it was hard to choose as I found they all tasted amazing and I already know what I will use for what. The Citrus blossom will be used on our pancakes, as a marinade for grilled chicken and in my yoghurt parfaits, the Wild forest for medicinal purposes and as an ingredient  in a hair conditioner treatment and the Signature honey will be great as a sugar substitute in tea, custard or pap . I  also see see myself using any of the varieties  to make honey oatmeal muffins, honey glazed chips and other treats or even for soaking Ijebu garri. The possibilities are endless.

Whichever way  you use any of the varieties of Waye’s Bee Company’s Honey you are in for a sweet experience.

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