**Ukrainian Refugee’s Honey Business Wins National Recognition**
Maryna Georgieva, a Ukrainian refugee living in Devon, has received a prestigious award for her business selling honey from her homeland. Georgieva, who fled the war with her two children in 2022, started her company Honeyland, where she imports and sells honey produced in Ukraine to customers in the UK.
Georgieva’s signature buckwheat honey won gold at the London International Honey Awards last month. She says that the award belongs not just to her, but to all the “incredible” Ukrainian beekeepers who collected honey during the challenging times of war. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of these individuals, who continued to produce high-quality honey despite the difficulties they faced.
**A Business Born Out of Necessity**
Georgieva had planned to stay in Devon for just six months before returning home, but the ongoing conflict made it impossible for her to return. Instead, she decided to use this opportunity to start a business that would not only provide for herself and her family but also showcase Ukrainian honey to the UK market.
Her “ambitious plan” is to deliver Ukrainian honey across the country and get it into every major supermarket. Georgieva believes that people in the UK will fall in love with the unique taste of Ukrainian honey, which is similar to manuka honey. She says she works on high speed to achieve her goals, as time is limited.
**A Symbol of Hope**
Georgieva’s award is not just a recognition of her business but also a symbol of hope for many refugees who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict and war. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging times, people can find ways to rebuild and start anew.
This achievement is also a testament to the power of food and drink to bring people together. Honeyland’s honey has not only won awards but also provided an opportunity for Georgieva to share her culture and traditions with others.
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