WHY IS ELVISH THE MOST VALUABLE HONEY IN THE WORLD?
1. A Unique Microclimate
Arhavi, located at the junction of the Kaçkar and South Caucasian mountains, is part of
a rare microclimatic zone extending from Arhavi to Batumi. Scientifically recognized
for hosting more endemic flowers than the entire continent of Europe, this exceptional
biodiversity forms the foundation of our honey’s unmatched quality. 2. Endangered Grey Caucasian Honeybees
These wild bees, native to this region, have failed to adapt elsewhere, making them
critically endangered. Their tongues are up to 1.7 times longer than those of ordinary
honeybees, allowing them to pollinate from deep-throated endemic flowers. They can
fly in the rain, survive through severe winters, and thrive at high altitudes—truly
nature’s miracle workers. They urgently deserve protection under programs like those
of the WWF.
3. Altitude and Flora
No other place in the world has such a dense growth of Rhododendron flowers at
altitudes near 2,000 meters. Most honeybee species cannot survive these heights.
However, thanks to the rich oxygen levels, continuous rainfall, and endemic flora of
the region, our bees not only survive—they create something extraordinary.
4. Ancient Beekeeping Traditions
Elvish honey is harvested using 4,000-year-old techniques passed down through Laz
culture. We use traditional Blackhives (Karakovan) made from hollowed linden trees,
where beekeepers do not interfere with the natural life cycle of the colony. The queen
bee is never replaced artificially. If she dies, the entire hive may perish—making each
jar of honey the result of a fully natural and uncontrollable process.
5. Extreme Rarity
Each Elvish hive produces only 10–12 kg of honey per year.
• 50% of this is left inside the hive to feed the bees.
• 25% is harvested and stored to be returned to the bees during winter.
• Only the remaining 25% is made available for human consumption or
sale—meaning just 2.5 kg of honey per hive, per year.
6. Winter Feeding for Bee Survival
During extreme colds, bees often become too weak to consume even their own
honey. To support them, we gently heat and dilute a portion of their
summer-harvested honey in sterilized water, making it easier for them to digest. This
careful nourishment helps the colony enter the spring nectar flow season stronger
and more resilient.
7. Natural Reproduction and Species Continuity
Honey left untouched during winter becomes essential once the weather warms. It
fuels the colony’s natural swarming process, enabling bees to establish new hives in
remote, untouched areas. This directly contributes to the continued survival and
natural reproduction of the endangered Caucasian bee species in their native habitat.
8. Cultural and Ecological Mission
Elvish is not just a honey brand; it is a cultural preservation project. Just as we leave
50% of the honey in the blackhive for the bees, we reinvest 50% of our revenue into
supporting the endangered bee population, sustaining the Laz language and
traditions, and protecting this unique environment.
9. A Philosophy of Respect
Every gram of honey is not only a rare delicacy—it is a commitment to preserving the
bees that created it and the perfect harmony of the ecosystem they call home.
At Elvish, we are dedicated to carrying forward the 4,000-year-old cultural heritage of
the Laz people, honoring both nature and tradition with every drop of honey we
share.