The Cornish black bee ( Apis mellifera mellifera )  has come under increasing pressure over the last century. Various diseases decimated the number of colonies native to this part of the world. It became common practice to import the more prolific Italian bee, favoured due to its increased honey yields.

In the last 20 years, the few remaining native black bee colonies have been further reduced by importation of the varroa mite.

At Remedi Spirits, we believe the advantages of working with the native black bees far outweigh the disadvantages. In addition to having healthier, happier bees, we also minimise the risks of importing yet more pests and diseases by rearing our own Cornish bees.

The Cornish black bee is ideally suited to the local weather condition being able to fly in famous Cornish “Mizzle” enabling it to survive longer periods of inclement weather.