Apimondia 2025 Copenhagen: Highlights, Innovations and the Road to Apimondia 2027 Dubai
- Laurence Edwards
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Every two years, beekeepers from around the world gather for one of the most influential events in apiculture: Apimondia, held in Copenhagen in 2025. This congress brought together scientists, innovators, educators and passionate honey producers from every continent, and already the conversation is shifting toward Apimondia 2027 in Dubai.
The official congress site describes the event as “for the bees, beekeepers, scientists, the industry and for the people from all over the world who care about bees and honey and beekeeping.” You can explore the official details here: https://www.apimondia.org/events.html
My trip to Apimondia 2025 started in a way I could never have predicted. I arrived at Manchester Airport late at night, ready to board my flight to Copenhagen. Just as we were preparing to depart, the announcement came through that we couldn’t take off because Copenhagen Airport had come under attack from Russian drones - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/23/is-copenhagen-drone-incursion-further-evidence-of-russian-interest-in-allied-airspace
Instead of flying out, we were taken off the aircraft, sent back through security and left with no option but to wait out the night. With hotels full and no transport running, I ended up sleeping in the boot of my truck in the airport car park. It was surreal and uncomfortable and incredibly cold, but once the flight finally departed the next morning at 7am and I continued on to Copenhagen as planned, the determination to reach Apimondia was stronger than ever. And as it turned out, Apimondia 2025 more than justified the chaotic start.
Arriving in Copenhagen, the sheer scale of the congress struck me immediately. The venue was alive with activity: the World Beekeeping Awards, the global honey-tasting bar, and aisles of stands showcasing equipment manufacturers, scientists and small-scale innovators. The awards area alone was unforgettable, from beautifully crafted beeswax displays to mermaid built entirely from wire and honeycomb!
One of the most memorable parts of the event was the honey-tasting bar. I tasted Danish white clover honey, followed by rich thyme and cedar honeys from Greece and even a standout sample from Lebanon (probably from Jonny - everyone knows Jonny from Lebanon, right?!). Every jar came with a story. I even met a beekeeper from Grenada who invited me to her Caribbean apiary, reminding me once again how global and interconnected this craft really is. Beekeeping in the Caribean? YES please!
But for anyone focused on the future of beekeeping, the ApiExpo was the true centrepiece. My stop at Lyson was especially interesting. This major Polish manufacturer supported Apimondia 2025 as a platinum sponsor, and when I spoke to their CEO, Tomek, his passion for the beekeeping community was clear. The whole Lyson team had poured their hearts into creating an incredible stand and you can explore their full range here:https://lyson.eu/en
A few aisles away, I came across the Micro Honey Harvester - an innovative compact extraction device ideal for small-scale beekeepers. It was also the first time I met Simon, the founder of the company. We filmed a video together at the expo and even shot a couple of shorts. For me, that kind of fast, positive, collaborative energy is what progress in beekeeping looks like. Definitely check these guys out - their marketing is brilliant. Honey on toast on a bus, anyone?! https://hivekeepers.com
I also had the pleasure of spending time with Kamon Reynolds, founder of the North American Honey Bee Expo (NAHBE). Kamon was incredibly generous with his time, and we spent an hour sharing stories about beekeeping and business. I introduced him to strong European coffee, and in return, he shared his knowledge of American beekeeping (fair trade?) We both left caffeinated and happy, even after all of the silly faces! Even better though, I’ll be flying to Kentucky in January 2026 to speak at NAHBE, so if you are attending, please come and say hi! https://www.nahbexpo.com/faq
Beyond the expo halls and the honey bars, Apimondia is an experience and Copenhagen was the perfect backdrop for it. My sister lives in the city, so the week gave me a rare chance to balance the intensity of the congress with proper family time. A couple of evenings were spent catching up with my nieces and nephews, walking through quiet neighbourhoods and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that Copenhagen is known for. We also went to War Pigs. If you are going to Copenhagen and you like proper Texas style BBQ - this is the PLACE! MMM
The city itself is beautiful. The architecture is clean and understated, the streets are full of cyclists, and the public-transport system is one of the most efficient I’ve ever used. Everything feels safe, relaxed and thoughtfully designed. Even a short walk to the metro becomes part of the enjoyment.
During the congress days, all of those comforts mattered because I was averaging between fifteen thousand and twenty-five thousand steps per day, filming, interviewing, talking and exploring. I was burning through calories at an incredible rate, and that’s where Apimondia’s food and drink offerings saved me (well - the hot dogs and coffee!)
The coffee stand, run by a woman who must have pulled several thousand shots in the space of a few days, became my lifeline. And the hot dogs genuinely kept me moving. When your entire day is spent on your feet, quick, hot food is more valuable than you might think.
Another highlight came thanks to Hive Alive, who invited me to their company celebration in an Irish pub right in the heart of Copenhagen. The atmosphere was brilliant. They provided food and drinks, and the place quickly filled with beekeepers from all over the world. It felt like the place to be, and it was a perfect chance to unwind, meet new people and share stories with others as passionate about bees as we are! Look who I bumped into! https://www.hivealivebees.com
A huge part of the week was the number of inspiring people I interviewed. One standout moment was filming with Jeff Pettis, President of Apimondia, who shared fascinating insights into global honey markets, scientific developments and the future direction of beekeeping. I also spoke with a wide range of innovators, manufacturers, researchers and small producers. These interviews will be appearing on the channel over the coming weeks and offer a glimpse into just how diverse and forward-thinking the global beekeeping community really is.
And this is exactly why Apimondia matters. It’s not just a place to browse equipment or taste honey. It is a meeting point for the world of beekeeping - a space where ideas, innovations, science, culture and community all intersect. For UK and European beekeepers accustomed to smaller, product-focused events, Apimondia offers something completely different: access to cutting-edge research, international perspectives and conversations you simply won’t find anywhere else.
With Apimondia 2027 taking place in Dubai, now is the ideal time to start planning your next steps. The Middle East brings new climates, unique honey types and a fresh regional approach to beekeeping. The 2027 congress will open the door to an entirely new wave of ideas and opportunities. If you’re looking to elevate your beekeeping knowledge and confidence, Dubai is going to be a landmark event - one well worth preparing for and one that I will certainly be attending in 2027!
I left Copenhagen with a clear sense that beekeeping is evolving at pace. Small-scale innovation is moving quickly, interest in non-chemical varroa control is gathering real momentum, and global honey culture is becoming increasingly interconnected as we work together to combat honey fraud. My time at Apimondia was genuinely inspiring, and I’m looking forward to sharing the full video coverage as it’s released over the coming weeks and months.
If you’d like to take your beekeeping skills to the next level before Apimondia 2027, my complete online training programme may be exactly what you need: https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/product-page/14-day-beekeeper-online-training
Dubai 2027 eh !! Duly noted👍🏴