How does our coffee help the bees in Honduras?

In 2024, we bought over one and half tonnes of coffee from Cocafel producers in Honduras. The coffee is produced and processed by families that have diversified incomes and that, along with their coffee farms, also have beehives. The objective is for Cocafel to further promote honey production among their associates and therefore diversify their income, providing economic stability. Existing apiarists can benefit from new and better hives, while those new to bee-keeping receive equipment and training. And with all those extra pollinators we see significant increases in pollination of the coffee as well as the shade producing trees of plum, banana, pepeto, and guama which further benefits the farmer.

What role do bees play in coffee production?

Coffee plants rely heavily on cross-pollination to produce high-quality beans. While coffee can self-pollinate, research shows that bee pollination increases coffee yields by up to 25%. In the shade-grown coffee farms of Honduras, where Cocafel operates, native bee species are essential to maintaining healthy coffee plantations. These shade-grown coffee farms create perfect conditions for bee populations to thrive. The diverse canopy of trees provides additional nectar sources throughout the year, supporting bee colonies even when coffee plants aren't flowering. This sustainable agricultural practice helps maintain biodiversity while producing exceptional coffee.