A sweet spot for Botswana’s honey industry
While many entrepreneurs fail to execute their plans well and maintain the standards they promised their consumers at infancy, one honey producing small business has sustained their quality.
Sweet Sting, which specialises in producing high-quality honey, honey juice, and beeswax products made from honey, has been dedicated to providing customers with natural and delicious honey products that are both healthy and sustainable.
According to the owner of the company, Tshesebe Solomon Poifo, one of the unique products offered by Sweet Sting is a special honey-based remedy that helps in curing asthma.
“This product has been highly effective in providing relief to asthma sufferers, and has garnered a loyal following amongst customers.
However, in order to finalise the production of this remedy, the company requires 99% ethanol, which is currently only available in America,’ he said.
Poifo says he is determined to establish a presence in America in order to access this crucial ingredient and expand the reach of his products. He self taught himself to make honey juices and beeswax, few months later after seeing that his honey business was blooming.
The entrepreneur aims to become known as a leading producer of honey products in America, and to supply different chain stores in Botswana with high-quality product offerings.
As a competitive edge, the company takes pride in its commitment to using only the finest ingredients and sustainable practices in the production process.
Customers can trust that they are purchasing products that are not only delicious, but also ethically produced, he assured.
“The products offered by Sweet Sting are suitable for anyone, regardless of age or dietary restrictions.
The honey and honey juice are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to a variety of dishes, while the beeswax is ideal for use in lip balms, hair food, and body lotion,” said the passionate beekeeper who founded the company in 1992 at Tshidilamolomo, his home village.
“It is important to note that the beeswax is not edible, but it offers a range of benefits for skincare and beauty products,” he added.
Like any other businesses, it is not easy sailing for the business, but Poifo is far in the race to give up.
He said: “At times the production becomes a bit difficult because I use traditional methods for the extraction of bee and production of my products. “So if I had an electric machine it would be a lot easier and the fact that I’m doing everything all by myself, it’s a little bit challenging.”