Ray of Sunshine MED: Pride of Croatia at the First European Honey Contest
Dec 15, 2024
On December 7, 2024, the city of Koper, Slovenia, hosted the inaugural European Honey Contest, organized by the Coastal Beekeeping Association of Koper, the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, and the Municipality of Koper. This unique event brought together the finest honey producers from 11 European countries to celebrate the art of beekeeping and the exceptional quality of European honey.
Held at Martinčev Square and the Hall of St. Francis, the contest offered a diverse program for visitors of all ages. Children enjoyed workshops and activities, while adults explored stalls with local products, honey-infused cuisine, and beverages such as honey coffee and tea. The event also featured presentations on honey quality schemes, complemented by a rich cultural and entertainment program.
Expert Talks on Bee Products
In addition to the festivities, the Hall of St. Francis hosted insightful lectures delivered by esteemed Slovenian and international experts:
• Aljaž Debelak, food safety advisor at the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, on honey and pollen.
• Dr. Boris Kovač, University of Primorska, on royal jelly as the elixir of life.
• Dr. Jasna Bertoncelj and Dr. Mojca Korošec, University of Ljubljana, on honey authenticity from a legislative and consumer perspective.
• Dr. Dražen Lušić, University of Rijeka, on why Chinese honey is so inexpensive and its implications.
Exhibition and Awards for the Best Honey
In the atrium of the Economic and Business School of Koper, visitors had the chance to taste the best honey samples from five categories—acacia, floral, forest, linden, and chestnut—and vote for their favorite. At 2:00 PM, a prestigious award ceremony took place, attended by high-profile guests, including Mateja Čalušić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food, Deputy Mayor of Koper Jasna Softić, and Boštjan Noč, President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association and the European Beekeeping Association.
We Are Proud of Our Success!
A total of 114 honey samples from 11 European countries were evaluated by an international panel of experts led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mojca Korošec from the University of Ljubljana. The top-ranked samples underwent additional analyses at an accredited laboratory in Germany to ensure authenticity and compliance with the European Union’s highest standards.
Among such strong competition, our Ray of Sunshine MED, crafted by OPG Pintar, proudly won first place in the Acacia Honey category, earning the title of European Champion 2024. This is the only medal awarded to Croatia, and we are incredibly proud of this historic achievement.
