Meet A Comvita Beekeeper Behind Nature's Most Powerful Honey: Alex Gibson

From the beaches of the Atlantic coast of Argentina, to the forests of New Zealand, Alex Gibson has always valued the beauty of nature. For 8 years he has been a part of the Comvita team, working behind the scenes to care for our bees and produce the highest quality, UMF™ certified Manuka Honey. He’s responsible for 4,000 of our hives and leads a team of 11 Comvita beekeepers. Learn about how he got his start as a beekeeper, what lessons nature’s creatures have taught him, and why he loves being a part of our family.

How did you get involved in beekeeping?

It started as a seasonal job, I loved it, and decided to make it a full-time career.

What do you love about it?

Bees are one of the most interesting little creatures you can find in nature. Learning how to look after them and get the best results out of a beehive is very rewarding. I spend my days outdoors, in different parts of the country every day.

Tell us about your upbringing - where and how did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town by the beach on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. I spent most of my summers at the beach with family and friends. We were a very outdoorsy family, we enjoyed camping, skiing, fishing, and traveling.

How did you come to join Comvita?

I joined Comvita as a honey extraction manager in Te Awamutu.

What do you enjoy about working here?

I like the work environment, culture and people I work with. I also share Comvita's values, and I'm proud of what the company represent.

Sustainable beekeeping is important to Comvita customers. What practices do we employ that keep the long-term health of the hive in mind?

We try to produce a natural, pure, and sustainable product. Instead of feeding sugar syrup to our bees, we reserve a portion of the honey they make for them to consume. We treat our bees with respect and care, and we restore native Manuka bushes with our plantations.

What lessons have you learned from bees that are helpful in other areas of your life?

They always work as a team. Bees are very hard workers.

How do you use Comvita products in your daily routine?

My family and I eat honey every day. I also use some of the Medihoney products and lozenges.

What do you like to do when you’re off the clock?

I love spending time with my family at the lake fishing or water-skiing in summer, we also enjoy camping and going to the beach.

Do you have any advice for beekeeping beginners?

Ask lots of questions and observe how experienced beekeepers work. You never stop learning; every day, every hive, will teach you something new about beekeeping. Find your own way of doing what it is best for your bees.

What didn’t we ask that our readers might find interesting about you and the work you do at Comvita?

I would like to mention our values: togetherness, leadership, our love to learn, and Kaitiakitanga (guardian and protectors of the land)

Interested in learning more? Read Comvita’s Origin Story and see how this intergenerational company formed in unlikely circumstances nearly 50 years ago.