I'm Benoît, manager of O'Miel. I grew up in a farming family, where my father planted sugar cane and raised cattle. Beekeeping wasn't in the cards for me. My involvement with bees began by chance in 2004, when I was offered an internship with APIGUA (Guadeloupe Honey Producers' Association) while I was studying for a post-graduate diploma in "Animal and Plant Production" in Corsica.

I fulfilled my mission with a great deal of seriousness and dedication. At the end of this internship, I launched myself into the profession. In 2008, I became a professional with 60 hives. The beginnings were complicated by bee stings, I didn't want to go near a forager, I almost gave up. But in admiration of the prowess of these little creatures (work and organization), I finally decided to make it my profession.

Today, with my partner Maurice Cléry, we have over 250 beehives spread over several communes in Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, and even on the island of Désirade. At the Concours Général Agricole we have received several distinctions, 3 gold medals in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and a prize of excellence awarded by Minister Stéphane LE FOLL in 2016.

Guadeloupe honey is a luxury product because Guadeloupe has an exceptional terroir, a unique floral combination. We have over 3,800 plants, around 400 of which are visited by bees. Our honey is very fragrant and fruity.

Benoît FOUCAN-PERAFIDE