Honey from Lechkhumi – Family Business by 22-Year-Old Beekeeper Girl

Gvantsa Chabukiani, the 22-year-old beekeeper girl from Lechkhumi District, has transformed family tradition into the family business and she sells several honey varieties in various regions of Georgia.

“Beekeeping is our family tradition. Having graduated the university, I came back to Lechkhumi and transformed our family tradition into the family business. We bought bee families through our savings, multiplied families. We grow mother bees, receive royal jelly, and produce 4 honey varieties. I believe young people should activate efforts in Lechkhumi as one of the most depopulating districts of Georgia and this is of crucial importance for our region.

This year we have won the Social Impact Award that was held under the UNDP program. With the support of Georgian, Swiss and Austrian Governments and Bank of Georgia, we obtained financial support of $2,000 to expand and enhance our business”, Gvantsa Chabukiani said.

The family beekeeping business produces 2-3 tons of chestnut, acacia, Alpine, and cellular honey a year. We distribute our products in Kakheti, Bolnisi, Kutaisi, and Tbilisi. Our objective is to expand the business and establish the association of young beekeepers. Having won the Social Impact Award we are designing a logo and label for our honey called Honey from Lechkhumi. We would like to arrange a small enterprise and employ local residents, contribute to the recovery of our village and region”, Gvantsa Chabukiani said.