U Minh honey: Sweet drops from the southern melaleuca forest

Safeguarding the reputation and quality of U Minh honey remains a long-standing commitment of local people in Kien Giang. Photo: NQ

Flavor crystallized from forest knowledge

Different from the popular beekeeping model, U Minh bee guard profession relies heavily on people's experience in understanding bee colony behavior and the growth laws of melaleuca forests. The rafters are placed in the middle of the forest to lure bees to nest, then honey is exploited according to each flowering season.

It is the dependence on nature that creates the unique character of U Minh honey. The nectar source from melaleuca flowers has a characteristic yellow color, sweet taste and gentle aroma, becoming a product associated with the wetland of the forest.

Harvesting U Minh Thuong melaleuca honey from beehives in the natural forest.

From local products to OCOP brands

Previously, U Minh honey was mainly consumed in a small form, the value was not commensurate with the quality. The emergence of the OCOP program has opened up opportunities for products to be standardized in terms of process, packaging, branding, and market access.

Typically, Thanh Phu Production, Trading Service Co., Ltd. with U Minh Thuong Melaleuca Honey products achieved 3-star OCOP certification. From the traditional honey mining profession, the business has invested in perfecting the packaging process, building brand identity and bringing products to many modern distribution channels.

In addition, establishments such as Le Tien honey also contribute to affirming the U Minh Thuong honey brand in the market.

U Minh Thuong Melaleuca Honey, produced by Thanh Phu Production, Trading and Service Co., Ltd., is a locally certified three-star OCOP product.

Keeping the forest from the value of honey drops

The special feature of U Minh honey lies in the connection between the product and the ecosystem. To have quality honey seasons, melaleuca forests must be protected and maintain natural diversity.

Therefore, the profession of bee guard not only brings income but also creates motivation for people to preserve forests. This is a development direction in line with the green economy trend, when product value is created from a balance between exploitation and conservation.

U Minh Thuong honey products are bottled and packaged for distribution through modern retail channels. Photo: Pham Hieu

Expanding the journey from honey to green tourism

Not stopping at pure honey bottles, OCOP subjects in U Minh are gradually developing more product lines processed from honey, and at the same time combining them with experiential tourism.

Visitors to U Minh Thuong can explore the melaleuca forest, learn about the bee guard profession and enjoy the product right at the production site. Thereby, each bottle of honey is not only a commodity product, but also becomes a story about people, nature and culture of the South.

Visitors explore the ecosystem of the U Minh melaleuca forest.

From beehives in the middle of the melaleuca forest to OCOP products on the market, U Minh honey is proving that traditional values can completely become a driving force for economic development if elevated with a sustainable brand and thinking.