Real Honey: From a jar of honey to a mission for the bees

Today, we’d like to share the story of a company with big ambitions and an even bigger mission – one that has won the hearts of thousands. Known as “Istinski Med” in bulgarian, which translates to “Real Honey,” this initiative was founded in 2015 with a primary goal: to revolutionise Bulgarian beekeeping. They’ve achieved this through several innovations, including an internal hive device now used on five continents.

We’ll take you through their journey – how they got here, where they’re headed, and, of course, their “Adopt a hive” cause. We also want to thank them for choosing us as their payment partner. We’re glad to be part of Real Honey’s growth story.

Technology that supports beekeepers

The ambitions of Real Honey are fueled by alarming statistics predicting a 30% drop in the number of bulgarian beekeepers by 2022, along with global challenges associated with the declining bee population.

The team believes this situation can improve with the help of innovative technology that balances tradition with modern needs. Enter Beebot – an in-hive sensor device that tracks temperature, humidity and even the frequencies of bee buzzing. This real-time data helps beekeepers monitor changes in hive health and productivity, ensuring that they can act quickly when something’s off. It took two years to develop before it hit the market, and though it’s made entirely in Bulgaria, Beebot has found its way to beekeepers on five continents.

The project preserving bulgarian traditions

Not long after, a new project emerged: Real Honey. It’s a platform designed to help bulgarian beekeepers sell their honey at a fair price, ensuring 100% pure honey for consumers. Participating beekeepers are carefully selected for their sustainable and responsible practices, backed by Beebot technology.

“We strive to buy our beekeepers’ honey at higher rates. In 2022, our purchase price was 22% above the official market price in Bulgaria – about 1.69 BGN more per kilogram. We also conduct lab tests to guarantee the product’s purity,” shares Stephanie Dimitrova, Chief Operating Officer at Real Honey.

This initiative not only supports sustainable beekeeping in Bulgaria but also helps preserve bee populations, which are essential pollinators. Despite the challenges that bees face worldwide, the team remains optimistic:

“We believe that if people understand the issue, they’ll be willing to help. Together, we can find an even better solution. That’s our cause and we fight for it every day!” says Sergey Petrov, Founder and General Manager of the company.

United by a cause

Real Honey’s focus on raising awareness sparked the creation of the “Adopt a Hive” project. Through a monthly subscription, you can financially support a beekeeper of your choice on the Real Honey platform – or even adopt an entire hive. In return, you receive a few jars of high-quality honey, a certificate and sticker showing your support, a recipe booklet and real-time access to data about “your” hive. Depending on your subscription, you can even name the hive and its queen bee and enjoy an unforgettable visit to the apiary – gaining new knowledge and cherished memories.

Since the programme launched in December 2019, nearly 5,000 families have already taken part and adopted a hive, forming a community that aims to be part of the solution rather than the problem. Here are some insights into how valuable each adopted hive truly is and what it contributes to our ecosystems.

Interestingly, Real Honey’s data shows that Bulgaria has around 33 000 beekeepers, with only 17 000 officially registered. Since the initiative began, more beekeepers have been registering, eager to join. The team also notes an increase in the number of hives for supported beekeepers – a sure sign that the cause is working.

In the summer of 2022, Real Honey tried something more unusual: a 3-month beekeeping course for enthusiasts, whether they wanted a new profession or simply to explore the world of bees. While they planned for just 30 students, nearly 300 people applied in only two weeks. That overwhelming interest led to the creation of the “Beekeeping University”, open to anyone who wants to learn more about the craft.

Such positive results continue to drive the company forward, motivating them to look for new opportunities and expand into new markets:

“We plan to expand the range of countries where Real Honey and “Adopt a Hive” support beekeepers. Currently, we’re developing in Romania, with the aim of branching out to the other European markets in the future,” shares Stephanie Dimitrova.

Fast and easy payments with myPOS

Innovation and digitalisation are at the core of Real Honey. The company operates entirely online, with no physical storefront – except when attending events and bazaars. To accommodate in-person sales, the team relies on the myPOS Mini device for card payments. For their online store, they use the myPOS Online Checkout, offering various payment methods. This setup simplifies things for one-time orders as well as monthly subscription plans.

“Quick and easy online payments are something our customers appreciate – especially for subscription payments. It’s a huge convenience, saving them from making manual transfers or new orders every month. Everything is automated for their ease.”

The company also often uses another myPOS service: Payment Request. This innovative method allows you to collect payments from customers remotely. It’s a secure payment link you can share via email, chat or SMS. After clicking the link, customers are directed to a secure page to enter their details and complete the payment. The funds appear instantly in the business’ myPOS account, ready for immediate use.

“To stay as flexible as possible with customers, we’re ready to find solutions for any scenario. Sometimes the fastest and easiest option is to send a Payment Request link. The customer pays, we finalise the order in our system and the products go out the same day.”

Real Honey hasn’t just supported Bulgaria’s beekeeping sector – they’ve built a community of thousands who have united to protect the bees. Their story shows how faith, persistence and innovation can bring even the biggest ambitions to life.