Huong Ngan Dat To honey : A sweet product of Gia Dien

Nestled among the vast lychee hills and lush acacia forests, Gia Dien commune in Ha Hoa district has long been renowned for its beekeeping. Among the many beekeeping products, Huong Ngan Dat To honey, produced by the Doan Ket Beekeeping Cooperative, stands out—not only for its purity and quality but also for the perseverance and dedication of the farmers in the region.

Huong Ngan Dat To honey is certified to meet OCOP (One Commune, One Product) standards, a testament to its quality and position in the market.

Ha Hoa is blessed with ideal conditions for beekeeping. The region’s fruit tree farms, such as lychee and longan, and extensive acacia forests, particularly in areas like Ao Chau lagoon, provide a rich and diverse source of pollen. During the blooming season, the vast forests offer an abundant supply of sweet nectar, allowing the beekeeping industry to thrive sustainably.

In addition to sourcing nectar from local flowers, beekeepers in Gia Dien also move their colonies to orchards and farms in neighboring districts, as well as neighboring provinces like Ha Giang and Son La, to ensure their bees always have access to the highest quality pollen. Notably, Ha Hoa’s beekeepers are committed to not feeding their bees sugar or additives, whether it’s during the summer honey harvest or the harsh winter months. This dedication ensures that Huong Ngan Dat To honey remains pure and unadulterated, meeting the strictest consumer standards.

Established in 2010, the Doan Ket Beekeeping Cooperative began with seven members—all experienced local beekeepers. Initially starting with just over 400 bee colonies, the cooperative now manages 700 colonies annually, producing approximately 5,000 liters of honey. The selling price of the honey has risen from VND 100,000 per liter to VND 220,000 per liter, reflecting its superior quality and market acceptance. In 2020, Huong Ngan Dat To honey received a 3-star OCOP certification at the provincial level, marking a significant milestone in the cooperative’s journey to build its brand. The product has earned both a food hygiene and safety certificate and recognition from the Intellectual Property Office. What began as a local market product has now expanded into neighboring districts and cities.

The beekeepers in Gia Dien have accumulated decades of experience, integrating scientific and technological advances at every stage—whether it’s in colony multiplication, care, or honey harvesting—all carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Mr. Nguyen Van Canh, a cooperative member who owns over 200 bee colonies, shared, “Every year, March and April are the peak honey harvesting months. I move my colonies upstream to Yen Bai to place them in a location with rich pollen sources.”

To ensure high-quality honey production, he carefully selects locations free of pesticides, wild bees, or harmful birds. The chosen spots must be cool, quiet, and free from traffic, chemical factories, or large lakes. Maintaining a stable temperature between 33 and 35°C and a humidity level of 60-80% inside the hives helps the colonies thrive. “When the hives are filled to over 70% capacity, I harvest honey once a week during the blooming season,” Mr. Canh explained.

With the increasing demand for clean products with traceable origins, Huong Ngan Dat To honey is poised for growth and expanded production. Thanks to its proven quality, recognized brand, and the dedication of the cooperative’s members, the honey has helped establish Phu Tho’s reputation as a premier honey-producing region, both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ky, head of the Doan Ket Beekeeping Cooperative, emphasized, “Huong Ngan Dat To honey is not just a typical agricultural product of Gia Dien; it’s also a symbol of the pride and passion of the people here. We are planning to participate in fairs and exhibitions to promote our brand while leveraging the OCOP Program to enhance the sustainability of our product.”

Looking ahead, the cooperative plans to further improve the quality of the honey, maintain its purity, and enhance its packaging to appeal to a broader range of consumers. They also aim to expand farming operations and strengthen partnerships with major distributors, with the goal of bringing the product to major cities and international markets.

From the sweet honey that flows from the mountains and forests of the upper district, the story of Huong Ngan Dat To honey represents not only the journey of affirming the brand of local agricultural products but also a testament to the potential of beekeeping and the determination of Gia Dien’s people to reach broader markets.

Hong Nhung