To improve their offerings and reduce production costs, Slovenian beekeeper Boris Poslek and his family invested in a freeze-dryer, allowing them to preserve up to 95% of the nutrients, color, and aroma of fruits. With a capacity of four liters, this device meets their needs for freeze-dried raspberries, strawberries, apples, aronia berries, and other fruits, enriching their product range.
The family-owned apiary, established in 2013, began with eight hives and now has 150. In front of the house is a mini-hive with two glass frames, allowing visitors to observe the life of bees. Besides honey, Boris also produces queen bees, though the pandemic slowed down exports. His bees are gentle and friendly, allowing access to the hives without protective equipment. While Boris handles production, his daughter Nika manages sales and apitherapy, offering honey enriched with ingredients such as hazelnuts, raspberries, and chocolate.
The family takes pride in their “creamy honey” made with freeze-dried Isabella grapes, which won a European gold medal. They sell their products online, at home, and in souvenir shops. Nika established her own business in 2017, enabling the sale of specialty varieties and preparations like “fine raspberry,” available in various formats.
The beekeeping center in Slovenska Bistrica, supported by the EU, represents an important project. The center is surrounded by a forest and a park with bee-friendly plants, where visitors can explore small hives and observe the life of bees in glass frames. The center also works to preserve the Carniolan honey bee, a native Slovenian breed known for its excellent productive properties.
The “Mr.Bee” apitherapeutic apiary allows guests to enjoy panoramic views of Pohorje and try aerosol apitherapy – inhaling therapeutic air from the hives. Nika explains that apitherapy is beneficial for the respiratory system and psychophysical well-being, especially for those with lung diseases and chronic inflammation. The offer also includes an anti-stress honey massage in nature, which attracts even more visitors.
Their apitherapy center is located on the property of Alenka Mrzdovnik, who developed glamping tourism – a luxury version of camping. In the glamping tent, along with apitherapy and honey massages, guests have access to a sauna and views of nature. The half-board price is 300 euros, and guests, mostly locals, book online.
Glamping is increasingly popular in Slovenia, with about 60 options available, and Panorama Glamping near Maribor is one of the best-known destinations, accessible on social networks like Instagram and Facebook.