By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Costa Rican apiculture has achieved a historic milestone on the global stage. The multifloral honey produced by Apiario Reserva Conchal has been awarded the prestigious gold medal in the Quality category at the London Honey Awards 2026. This recognition not only places the nation’s apicultural industry in the international spotlight but also marks the second consecutive year that this specific honey has been honored with a top distinction in the competition.
The London Honey Awards stands as one of the most respected and competitive apicultural events in the world. The 2026 edition brought together more than 340 honey varieties representing over 30 countries. In the highly contested Quality category, entries are subjected to strict blind tastings where international experts evaluate key parameters including visual appearance, aroma, texture, and flavor profile.
To better understand the legal challenges and opportunities surrounding the production and commercialization of Guanacaste honey, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Securing a Geographical Indication for Guanacaste honey is a vital legal step to protect local beekeepers from counterfeit products and unfair competition. Under Costa Rican intellectual property law, establishing these regulatory standards not only preserves the authentic regional heritage but also elevates the market value of this unique product in international trade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, securing a Geographical Indication is not just a legal formality but a crucial shield that honors the dedication of local apiarists while positioning Guanacaste’s unique honey as a premium, untampered treasure on the global stage. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on how robust intellectual property frameworks can champion Costa Rican heritage and drive sustainable economic growth.
The award-winning product is the result of a highly collaborative business model established between three key Costa Rican entities: Reserva Conchal, Blue Zones Nicoya, and Mieles Nicoyanas. This strategic alliance was founded on the pillars of pollinator conservation, technological innovation, and long-term environmental sustainability. By combining their expertise, the partners have successfully proven that biodiversity preservation can be directly linked to commercial excellence.
This recognition reflects a vision of sustainability that we have built over years and demonstrates that the conservation of biodiversity can also translate into products of excellence.
Gabriela Meza, Sustainability Manager of Reserva Conchal
Operating since 2020, Apiario Reserva Conchal has steadily scaled its production capabilities while maintaining a strict focus on ecological balance. The apiary currently houses more than 2.5 million bees, which are distributed across approximately 50 carefully managed hives. This controlled environment ensures both the health of the bee colonies and the consistent quality of the honey harvest.
The geographic location of the apiary in Guanacaste plays a critical role in the honey’s award-winning flavor. The region’s dry forest climate and diverse native flora allow the bees to gather nectar from a unique mix of tropical blossoms. This distinct terroir gives the multifloral honey its complex sensory properties, which ultimately captivated the discerning judges at the London competition.
This recognition represents a source of pride for Blue Zones Nicoya and reaffirms our commitment to developing honeys that reflect the natural wealth of Guanacaste.
Ignacio Segares, CEO of Blue Zones Nicoya
Beyond its commercial success, the collaborative venture prioritizes social and ecological responsibility through its Simbiosis program. This initiative focuses on raising environmental awareness, executing responsible hive relocations, and securing habitats for wild pollinators. Through the educational arm of the program, the alliance actively engages with local communities to foster a culture of conservation.
To date, the Simbiosis program has reached more than 3,700 students in neighboring communities across Guanacaste. These educational sessions cover crucial topics such as regional biodiversity, reforestation, ecosystem preservation, and the protection of local wildlife. By educating the next generation, the partners aim to ensure the long-term survival of crucial pollinator species in the region.
From a broader economic perspective, this international accolade highlights the growing potential of Costa Rica’s sustainable agricultural exports. As global consumers increasingly demand transparent, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly products, the success of Apiario Reserva Conchal provides a compelling blueprint. It demonstrates that integrating rigorous conservation standards into the supply chain can lead to superior product quality and global market competitiveness.
For further information, visit reservaconchal.com
About Reserva Conchal:
Reserva Conchal is a luxury resort and residential community located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and community development.
For further information, visit bluezonesnicoya.com
About Blue Zones Nicoya:
Blue Zones Nicoya is a Costa Rican company dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and longevity through high-quality, natural food and beverage products sourced from the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s rare Blue Zones.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Mieles Nicoyanas
About Mieles Nicoyanas:
Mieles Nicoyanas is a local apicultural organization focused on sustainable honey production, supporting regional beekeepers, and preserving bee populations across the Guanacaste province.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal pillar, driven by an enduring devotion to ethical brilliance and professional distinction. Serving a diverse spectrum of clients, the firm consistently champions modern, forward-thinking legal strategies alongside proactive civic engagement. By demystifying complex regulations and advocating for open legal education, they continue to realize their core vision of shaping a knowledgeable, confident, and legally empowered public.
