Brazil is the 11th largest honey producer in the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This circumstance reflects not only production volume, but also the country’s remarkable diversity of native bee species.
According to the Taxonomic Catalog of the Fauna of Brazil, more than 1,500 species of bees are found across the country, including many stingless varieties such as jandaíra, uruçu, and canudo. This biodiversity is seen in a wide range of honeys and propolis with distinct sensory and functional aspects, shaped by local ecosystems and flora.
Honey and Propolis: Natural Riches with Regional Identity
Beekeeping in Brazil thrives in different ecosystems — from the Caatinga and Cerrado to the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Each biome provides unique environmental conditions and botanical resources that influence the flavor, color, and aroma of bee products. In addition to culinary use, honey and propolis are increasingly used in natural cosmetics and wellness products.
Stingless bees play a central role in this scenario. Species like jandaíra are raised on a small scale and are known for producing rare, delicate honey. Brazilian propolis also stands out, with green and red varieties widely valued for their unique composition and origin-linked features.
Flor da Aurora: Care and Innovation from Brazil’s Semi-Arid Region
Founded in 2022 by Dina Pereira in Ceará state, Flor da Aurora was born out of the opportunity to turn Caatinga honey into high-value products. Her connection to beekeeping began in 2007, when her husband started working with bees. This family experience inspired Dina to pursue technical and academic training and create a business rooted in biodiversity, regional identity, and quality.
The brand specializes in stingless native bees, especially jandaíra (Melipona subnitida), a species native to Brazil’s semi-arid region. Jandaíra bees are mild-tempered. Their honey is highly aromatic, rare, and carries strong cultural symbolism.
Flor da Aurora’s portfolio is divided into a gourmet line and a line of natural cosmetics. The gourmet line includes pure Caatinga honey as well as flavored versions with ingredients such as crushed red pepper, dehydrated orange, almonds, and green propolis extract.
In its wellness and beauty line, the brand offers facial cleansing foam, facial serum, solid shampoo and conditioner, and lip gloss — all produced with ingredients such as honey, pollen, beeswax, propolis, and essential oils. The products are registered with Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the regulatory body responsible for approving food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics in the country.
Dina is also the founder and president of the Beekeeping and Meliponiculture Cooperative of the Central Sertão, which acts to strengthen the honey value chain in Ceará, improve trading conditions, and expand market access. The cooperative is led mostly by women, reinforcing the role of female entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Native Bee Propolis Stands Out in Brazilian Research
A study carried out by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) Amazônia Oriental section, in partnership with the Evandro Chagas Institute and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), confirmed the wound-healing and anti-inflammatory traits of propolis produced by the canudo bee (Scaptotrigona aff. postica), a stingless species native to the Amazon region.
In laboratory tests, the propolis extract outperformed a commercial medicine used as a reference, showing greater reduction in inflammation levels and better tissue regeneration. The research highlights the potential of Brazilian propolis as a natural ingredient for health and wellness uses.
Click here to read the full study.
Photo: Vinicius Braga – Embrapa
