With a legacy deeply rooted in beekeeping, this Gold Coast-based business has not only become a pioneer in the industry but redefined the art of honey production.
As with many inspiring success stories, Biosota’s journey began with humble origins, but unlike others, it did so to the resounding buzz of bees.
Hailing from a third-generation family of beekeepers who relocated to Australia from Russia in the late nineties, Andrey Zubko established Biosota along with his wife Oxana in 1999.
“The family history behind Biosota is something we’re very proud of and we are fully committed to organic, sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices with as little human intervention as possible,” says Andrey.
“We have combined our three generations of beekeeping mastery with Manuka species found only in Australia.”
Named after the natural hexagon bees create for protection, Biosota’s beginnings can be traced back to a few unassuming beehives tucked behind a modest honey processing operation in Sydney.
What sets Biosota apart is the fusion of unparalleled expertise and the unique Australian environment, which boasts over 200 different species of Manuka.
The result? The rarest and highest MGO-rated, certified organic Manuka honey produced globally, coveted for its medicinal-grade potency and natural health benefits.
Biosota stands as a rare pioneer, crafting Manuka honey with an MGO exceeding 1,200, and they’ve just unveiled a limited-edition MGO 2,000+ Manuka honey.
Short for Methylglyoxal, MGO is the main active ingredient in Manuka honey and the key to its remarkable antibacterial properties.
Cultivated with science and love, our Manuka honey is medical-grade and widely used as a functional food for its medicinal and natural health benefits.
The higher the MGO, the mightier the bioactivity and the more potent the medicinal benefits, but achieving such high levels is an exceptional feat, as it’s rare and incredibly challenging to produce.
Beyond the science, Biosota’s honey encapsulates a delicate balance of art and nature.
Creating such a pinnacle product isn’t a happenstance; it’s a meticulous process that involves navigating nature’s elements.
A mature Manuka tree, which reaches its zenith after seven years, yields the essence that is Biosota Manuka honey.
Accomplishing such naturally high activity levels of MGO in Manuka honey depends on the perfect alignment of three independent factors: the Manuka flower species and plant maturity, optional climate and growing conditions and an impeccable production and storage process.
“The rural locations of our unspoiled bee sites are nestled deep in the Australian bush, state rainforests and national parks, enabling us to produce Manuka honey away from the influence of pesticides, chemicals or pollutants.
Our hives are strategically placed to align with the short flowering seasons of the Manuka species, which usually lasts between two and six weeks.
“This allows us to achieve our Australian Certified Organic and glyphosate-free certifications and also ensures our antibiotic-free bees are unbothered by noise or distraction and can go about their harvest efficiently and calmy; safe from any pesticide-sprayed crops.
“The weather plays a big role as Manuka trees only produce flowers in warm weather and bees are more active when it’s cloudless as they use the sun for navigation.”
This exquisite honey, carefully cold-extracted to preserve its essence, matures for over a year post-harvest, all while being shielded from heat to maintain optional bioactivity.
“Manuka honey has a high proclivity to increase in bioactivity post-harvest, so we mature our honey for 12 to 24 months before bottling,” he says.
“The result is a honey rich in medicinal grade MGO, free from pollutants and interference.”
Dedication to quality doesn’t stop at Biosota’s beehives.
“We track our honey from hive to jar to ensure its potency, purity and quality, as knowing exactly what is in each jar is part of our difference,” says Andrey.
“Every batch of Biosota Manuka honey is tested in three independent laboratories for its MGO levels and these reports can be found on our website product pages.
“Our Manuka honey is Australian Certified Organic, Non-GMO and free from antibiotics, glyphosates and pesticides and it’s all produced in a purpose-built factory that is gluten-free, Kosher and HACCP certified for food safety.”
In addition to the medicinal Manuka honey range, the business expanded its offering with honey straws, drops, gift packs and a superfoods range.
Made up of eight different products, including turmeric, ginger, cacao, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, moringa and hemp, the superfoods collection serves as a scrumptious means of naturally enhancing your culinary creations while catering to your family’s nutritional needs.
One of their most delectable creations, Manuka Honey Chocolate, is a delightful blend of pure Manuka honey and raw cacao, a natural and deliciously healthy delicacy that can be spread on toast, paired with croissants and added to smoothies and snacks.
Looking beyond the beehive, the business plans to foster industry partnerships and continue expanding its global footprint.
In one of its most recent successes, Biosota joined forces with Sydney Airport to bring its Manuka honey range to travellers, making it readily accessible at one of Australia’s busiest hubs.
After all, Biosota is the type of business to celebrate the sweeter things.
