Empowering Local Beekeepers and Preserving the Environment: The Story of Meli-Meli
At Meli-Meli, the mission is clear: to produce high-quality stingless bee honey while empowering indigenous communities and preserving the environment. Based in the pristine, biodiverse region of Northeast India, Meli-Meli is setting a new standard for ethical honey production. Their vision is to become a globally recognised brand, celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, social impact, and environmental stewardship.
The Vision Behind Meli-Meli
Nestled in Dimapur, Northeast India, Meli-Meli is dedicated to producing premium stingless bee honey. This honey stands out for its unique flavour and numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, digestive support, immune-boosting qualities, and skin nourishment. However, Meli-Meli is more than a product—it represents a mission to empower local beekeepers and protect the delicate ecosystems of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
The company’s leadership includes esteemed experts such as Dr. Phungmayo Horam, a professor at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Atoho Jakhalu. Together, their expertise in climate studies, education, and digital transformation drives Meli-Meli’s holistic approach to balancing business growth with social impact.
Addressing Market Gaps
Despite Northeast India’s immense biodiversity and potential for natural honey production, the region’s honey industry remains underdeveloped. With only 6.5% of its potential realised, challenges such as limited market access and lack of awareness persist.
Meli-Meli aims to address these gaps by leveraging indigenous knowledge to produce stingless bee honey, a product deeply rooted in local traditions and biodiversity preservation. This honey offers not only a premium product for consumers but also an opportunity to uplift local communities.
Gisma University’s Role in Meli-Meli’s Success
Gisma University of Applied Sciences has been instrumental in Meli-Meli’s journey, providing academic expertise and practical business insights to drive their mission forward. The collaboration has focused on three key areas:
Digital Competence & Marketing: Gisma has guided Meli-Meli in building a robust digital presence, enabling them to reach global audiences effectively. A strategic digital marketing plan has helped communicate Meli-Meli’s core values of sustainability, health, and quality.
Global Market Expansion: Gisma’s expertise in navigating international markets, particularly in Europe, has been invaluable. By aligning their product and branding with global standards, Meli-Meli is well-positioned for success beyond India.
Sustainable Scaling: Scaling responsibly involves creating a sustainable supply chain. With Gisma’s support, Meli-Meli has developed strategies to incentivise beekeepers, build capacity, and ensure a thriving ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
The Unique Benefits of Meli-Meli Honey
Meli-Meli stingless bee honey is not only a culinary delight but also a health-boosting powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants, immune-boosting properties, and vitamins, it offers benefits such as:
- Combating free radicals
- Supporting digestive health
- Reducing inflammation
- Enhancing skin health
- Promoting wound healing
Each jar of Meli-Meli honey represents a direct contribution to the livelihoods of indigenous beekeepers and the preservation of local biodiversity.
A Partnership with Purpose
Meli-Meli’s mission aligns with Gisma’s broader CSR goals, emphasising tangible societal impact. Initiatives such as Gisma’s GMEC Honey competition provide students with opportunities to tackle real-world challenges, from scaling businesses to creating sustainable brands, directly benefiting companies like Meli-Meli.
Looking Ahead: A Global Brand with Local Impact
Meli-Meli’s journey exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry. With Gisma’s continued support, they are transforming theoretical knowledge into real-world results, building a global brand while uplifting local communities and preserving the environment.
By choosing Meli-Meli honey, consumers are not only indulging in a premium, healthful product but also contributing to a better future for indigenous beekeepers and the planet. Together, Gisma and Meli-Meli are demonstrating that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand—proving that academic expertise can fuel meaningful change in the world.