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Four decades dedicated to honey production

Beehives, the Empordà landscape, and constant work with bees

A family business combining production and education

Abellaires Empordanesos is a family-run business in Garriguella that has been dedicated to honey and pollen production since 1983. The project combines traditional beekeeping, certified organic production, and educational activities to raise awareness about the role of bees in the Empordà ecosystems.

Over Forty Years Among Beehives and Landscapes

26/06/26

The story of Abellaires Empordanesos began in 1983 in Garriguella, in the Alt Empordà region. The project was born from the initiative of Jordi Juan and Assumpció Vilanova, who had always been connected to the rural world through vineyards and olive groves.

The first beehives started as a complementary activity, but over the years, beekeeping became the core of the family business.

Today, the second generation is actively involved in managing and developing the business. Maria Juan takes on the management and modernization tasks of the company, while Marc Arumí directs the beekeeping operations and organic production. Abel Rabanal completes the team, overseeing packaging, quality control, and logistics.

This family continuity has helped consolidate a model built on decades of accumulated knowledge and a close relationship with the Empordà region.

Artisanal Production with Sustainability Standards

The main activity focuses on the production, processing, and marketing of honey and pollen. Part of it comes from their own harvest and another part from associated local producers and beekeepers. The company also produces certified organic honey and pollen.

Their product range includes different varieties of honey, natural pollen, and products made with ingredients such as propolis, ginger, or turmeric. They also produce monofloral honeys tied to the flora of the Catalan coast.

Sustainability is deeply rooted in their way of working. Since 2005, the workshop has been equipped with photovoltaic panels that generate more than half of the energy required for their annual operations. This commitment reduces conventional energy consumption and reinforces the company’s dedication to environmentally friendly production.

The bees’ work also plays a significant environmental role through the pollination of crops and plant species found throughout the Empordà landscape.

Education and Activities Around Bees

Beyond honey production, Abellaires Empordanesos develops activities aimed at sharing the value of beekeeping. One of the highlights is bee tourism (apitourism), an initiative that allows visitors to discover how a beehive works and understand the role of bees within ecosystems.

The tours are designed for families, schools, and anyone interested in the rural world. The company also organizes honey tastings to showcase the differences between varieties, floral origins, and production processes.

This educational approach complements an activity that combines food production, environmental preservation, and knowledge sharing. After more than forty years of history, Abellaires Empordanesos continues to work with a clear vision: maintaining the balance between beekeeping activity and respect for the territory that makes it possible.