Our Story
From Diagnosis to Discovery
In 2005 Our Founder + CEO Simone Ponce was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Struggling with the disorder causing widespread muscle pain and tenderness, she discovered relief through the magical healing powers of bee products like honey, propolis, bee pollen and more. Inspired by the benefits and remarkable results, Simone began her mission to help others on their healing journeys by not only bringing these products to market, but ensuring accessibility to all.
Roads Leading to Bahia & Beyond
In an effort to escape the busy city life of Sao Paulo, Simone moved her family to Bahia to be closer to nature and explore the natural bee ecosystems Brazil has to offer. She discovered the great potential of apiculture in Bahia, but learned of the socioeconomic issues this community faced. The local beekeepers lacked sophisticated production processes and faced predatory marketplace pricing from intermediaries.
Farming & Sustainable Agriculture
While in Bahia, Simone came across a large coconut farm that was utilizing bees to increase production with the help of local beekeepers. This farm had great potential to scale, but the community faced challenges of digital exclusion, unfair market practices, and poverty. Simone recognized the opportunity and importance to help this local community and ecosystem. She became determined to enhance product demand, balance pricing, and ensure better living conditions for the local producers.
How Bee2Be Came to Be
In an effort to escape the busy city life of Sao Paulo, Simone moved her family to Bahia to be closer to nature and explore the natural bee ecosystems Brazil has to offer. She discovered the great potential of apiculture in Bahia, but learned of the socioeconomic issues this community faced. The local beekeepers lacked sophisticated production processes and faced predatory marketplace pricing from intermediaries.
Our Impact
Planet
Governance, transparency, and compliance as a strategy
Biodiversity and nature preservation
Support sustainable ecosystem practices
Resources
Preservation of endangered native species and preservation of mangroves for carbon sequestration monitoring
Investment in good environmental practices
Reduction of the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
People
Create a producer impact fund by 2024, Investment in education, technology, and sustainability
Income generation for local communities
Contribute to global food security enhancement