In a new global achievement added to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's impressive record, Saudi mangrove honey won second place globally, achieving the silver medal in the "crystallized mangrove honey" category at the London International Honey Competition 2026. The Kingdom was represented at this international event by beekeeper Khalid Al-Abyad, who was able to highlight the quality and distinction of the national product amidst strong competition that included more than 300 beekeepers representing 36 countries around the world.
Background on the competition and its international significance
The London International Honey Awards is one of the world's most prestigious competitions specializing in honey quality, where participating products undergo rigorous and twofold evaluation. Judging is not limited to sensory assessments by expert judges of taste, aroma, and texture, but also includes precise laboratory analyses measuring key quality indicators such as moisture content, diacetyl enzyme levels, sugar content, and heat sensitivity. This ensures the integrity of the results and grants the winners global credibility.
The secret to the excellence of mangrove honey from Tarout Island
The award-winning mangrove honey owes its distinction to its rare and unique natural source: the nectar of mangrove trees (locally known as "qurm") that grow in coastal forests on the shores of Tarout Island in the Qatif Governorate. These trees are characterized by their ability to thrive in a highly saline environment, which gives the nectar produced by the bees unique properties not found in other types of honey. Beekeeper Khalid Al-Abyad explained that the diverse environment of the eastern coast and the temperate marine climate contribute to the production of rich nectar, which positively impacts the honey's quality and its naturally crystallized texture.
Local and international impact of the achievement
This victory holds significant importance both locally and internationally. Locally, it enhances the standing of the beekeeping and honey production sector in the Kingdom, highlighting the high quality of Saudi products and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and support non-oil sectors. It also serves as an inspiration to young beekeepers, encouraging them to adopt the highest quality standards to compete globally. Internationally, this recognition places Saudi mangrove honey on the map of premium honeys worldwide, opening new avenues for export to global markets and bolstering confidence in Saudi food products.
A career full of awards
It is worth noting that this achievement is not the first of its kind for beekeeper Khaled Al-Abyad, but rather adds to a long list of awards that confirm his continued commitment to quality and excellence. He previously won first place in the Arab Beekeepers Union competition in 2025 and the London International competition in 2025, in addition to achieving high rankings in the France International competition in 2026 and the Liwa Festival in the UAE in 2024. Al-Abyad emphasized that these successive successes are the result of focusing on quality rather than quantity, and he urged young beekeepers to be patient and to pursue continuous learning to achieve excellence.
