The Mozambique Honey Company was established in 2010 through a tripartite arrangement involving V&M Grain Co, the Honey Producers Cooperative and Eco-MICAIA. The Mozambique Honey Company produces high quality organic honey using fair trade practices which it also makes available in single unit packages to customers "at the base of the pyramid". At present the majority of its business is domestic however it has plans to expand its sales across Southern Africa and globally.
In this company the Honey Producers Cooperative owns over a third of shares, with roughly another third owned by Andre Vank of V&M Grain as a private sector partner. Eco-MICAIA also retains a smaller shareholding in the company and some shares are now owned by other private sector investors. Through the Honey Producers Cooperative's shareholding in the company as many as 5000 small scale beekeepers through their representatives play a role in the running of the company. As the business develops and makes a profit dividends will be distributed to the Honey Producers Cooperative with this money then invested for a social purpose in community development activities.
As part of its role within the Mozambique Honey Company Eco-MICAIA is working to build the capacity of producers and helping develop the capacity of their representatives to play a more active role in company governance. It is also assisting in the introduction of low cost locally made bamboo and clay hives that will dramatically reduce the negative environmental impact of traditional bark hives. With its partners, Eco-MICAIA is also holding courses on beekeeping, hive management and proper harvesting in communities across the Manica and Sofala Provinces.
Listing Details
Classification Criteria
Cooperative or Membership Association, Environmental Goods or Services