Good Practice - Project
BELACOLMEA - Natural cosmetics to improve the viability of beekeeping farms
LEADER funds help diversify beekeeping production to increase the added value and professionalism of rural beekeeping farms in northern Spain.
General information
RDP Priority
- P6. Social inclusion and local development
RDP Focus Area
- 6B: Local development
RDP Measure
- M19: LEADER/CLLD
Beneficiary type
- Non-profit organisation
Summary
To increase the financial income and overall viability of bee farms in the North of Spain, the Association of Galician Beekeepers (Agrupación Apícola de Galicia) set up a LEADER-funded project that would support their members to diversify their product range. The initiative focused on creating a new line of natural Galician cosmetics: Belacolmea, in which honey from Galicia is the key component.
The project collaborated and networked with various partners. For example, a Galician specialist company was commissioned to provide support in product development, formula design, EU registration procedures, and the design of a brand image. Additionally, two academic partners carried out important studies and tests that informed product development.
The newly-designed products are high-quality skincare and cosmetics formulated with one hundred per cent natural, ecological and sustainable ingredients. Unlike other products that also contain honey, the Belacolmea cosmetics range stands out due to the particularly high mineral, vitamin and antioxidant content of Galician honey.
Results
- A new line of cosmetics has been created based on bee products.
- One new directly linked job was created.
- In total, 100 product distribution points have been secured.
- The average income of 20 beekeepers has been increased by 10%.
Promoter
Agrupación Apícola de Galicia
Funding
Total budget: 67 364 (EUR)
EAFRD: 8 880 (EUR)
National/Regional: 14 052 (EUR)
Private/own: 44 432 (EUR)
Ressourcen
Documents
Good Practice Report - BELACOLMEA - Natural cosmetics to improve the viability of beekeeping farms
(PDF – 1.08 MB)
Context
The Association for the Development and Formation of the Galician Beekeeping Sector, A.I.E., (Agrupación Apícola de Galicia) was created in 1999. It brings together several Galician beekeepers' associations, with the aim of promoting beekeeping in the north of Spain.
From the outset, the association focused on the modernisation of bee farms and the promotion of production methods that respect the environment, with the main aim of positioning beekeeping as one of the most vital agricultural activities in rural areas.
At the time, the income of beekeeping farms was mainly based on the sale of honey. To increase their viability, the association was keen to support diversification, with a view to generating increased income for the farms. Some beekeepers were already producing cosmetics at home, primarily for their own personal use, but also sometimes for sale. However, most were neither registered nor had a certification or guarantee for this kind of production. The main reason for this was that the development of relevant formulas at laboratory level, complying with regulations, undertaking stability tests, and applying for European registration are challenging procedures that are usually difficult to obtain for individual products.
Support was needed to help bee farms diversify and innovate their product range in a professional manner, thereby improving their future viability and enhancing the value of Galician bee products, especially production under the PGI ‘Mel de Galicia’.
Objectives
The project’s main aim was to help bee farms in Galicia to diversify their product range and increase their income. The project sought to champion a revitalisation of the beekeeping sector: putting its dormant potential to good use via the development of new products. Furthermore, it was important to boost local trade by increasing direct sales, and to provide better incentives for women to get involved in the sector.
A completely new cosmetics brand, the new products and formulas were launched promoting the project’s commitment to high-quality, ecological and sustainable ingredients (free of the parabens and other toxic substances found in commonly used cosmetics). It was important that the new cosmetics range took advantage of the high qualities of Galician honey, and that all marketing and dissemination activities communicated this effectively.
Activities
- searching for a local company specialised in cosmetics and dermopharmacy. The selected local company advised the project team on how to proceed with the registration of formulas at the European level, and how to find packaging solutions for the new products.
- developing formulas for each product of the new cosmetic line, as part of the product design process. Here, it was important that the main ingredient was honey, specifically IXP Mel from Galicia, while other beehive products and essential oils could also be incorporated.
- developing a new line of products, which ranged from body care to nutrition and skin repair, including various balms, soaps, and creams.
- informing the development of the new products by a number of studies. This included a study on the quality of honey samples for the development of cosmetic products and an evaluation of the characteristics of the different monofloral honeys from Galicia and their suitability for this type of use. A further study explored the efficacy and tolerance of different products and their microbiological safety. This was then tested jointly with volunteers from the Beekeeping Group to verify different parameters of quality and acceptance of the product.
- creating a unique brand identity that would bring all of the new products together under one label. Here, it was essential that the name of the products would trigger a clear connection and identity with their area of origin, as well as with the values associated with the attributes: artisanal, natural and Galician.
- carrying out an assessment of the new brand ‘Belacolmea’ and agreeing a series of production rules for the various bee farms. This was to ensure that all products produced for the cosmetic line followed the same principles of production, regardless of which bee farm had produced them.
- carrying out marketing and distribution activities across the North of Spain. This included implementing a number of dissemination activities showcasing the Belacolmea products and their relationship with the Camino de Santiago. Informative brochures were produced (in Galician, Spanish and English), and various product displays showcased the relationship between beekeeping, health, environmental conservation, and local communities. Additionally, training was carried out to improve profitability through promoting the circular economy.
Main results
- A new line of cosmetics has been created based on bee products.
- One new directly linked job was created.
- In total, 100 product distribution points have been secured.
- The average income of 20 beekeepers has been increased by 10%.
- The project supports the conservation of the environment and is of significant environmental benefit due to the pollination of entomophilous plants.
- The emergence of natural cosmetics has become an incentive for the engagement of women in this traditionally male-dominated sector.
- The beekeeping group has connected small beekeeping producers with cosmetic product laboratories, as well as brand development companies. This enables small businesses to access services and products that they cannot easily access on their own.
- At least 20 small bee producers have participated in the development of the products, as well as their subsequent distribution in different small or specialised stores.
- The project was successful in engaging young beekeepers. Some 40% of the project participants were under 40 years old, compared to 80% of the members of the beekeepers union being over 50 years old.
Key lessons
- A body of knowledge has been ascertained about the different beehive products. This was made possible through the involvement of experts as well as end-users.
- The project network has improved communication between the different actors, who can now facilitate and contribute to other projects.
- It is very important to adapt to the inevitable changes that occur during project implementation. Striking the right balance between this and long-term planning secures success.