Prado del Rey, in the province of Cádiz, is known as “the town of honey” and has one of Andalusia’s highest concentrations of beekeepers per resident. Set between the Sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales natural parks, the municipality has built a strong local identity around beekeeping, a tradition passed down through generations.
The source reports that Prado del Rey has around 30,000 beehives, representing half of Cádiz province’s total, and produces more than 70% of its honey. Forty local families make their living directly from beekeeping, while five businesses in the town package honey. Across the province, the sector generates more than €60 million in economic activity.
Local beekeepers draw on inherited skills and adapt their work to the area’s wild flowering seasons. The region’s varied vegetation supports a range of honeys, including varieties made from orange blossom, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, chestnut, lavender and citrus, as well as multifloral honey.
Prado del Rey’s honey is also sold abroad, with exports to Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the United States. The source says local producers are seeking to develop more secondary industries in the area and are working towards Protected Designation of Origin status for the honey.
Beekeeping also supports local agriculture and wildlife through pollination. The source estimates that harvests in the area would fall by 75% without bees. The town’s annual Sierra de Cádiz Beekeeping Fair and Technical Conference brings together visitors, producers and researchers for exhibitions, tastings, competitions and workshops.
The sector faces challenges, including the varroa mite, which weakens colonies and requires ongoing monitoring. Producers are also seeking to keep more of the industry’s added value within the province.
Sources: elDiario.es.