Founded in 2020 by scientist Aaaron Schaller and honey industry veteran Darko Mandich, MeliBio is tackling ‘critical issues’ facing the commercial honey industry with a plant-based alternative.

The commercial honey industry is plagued by the use of pesticides and adulterants, while bee populations are declining due to extreme weather events, according to the start-up, who hopes its bee-free alternative will provide a solution these crises.

MeliBio’s first product, a plant-based honey ingredient for B2B and foodservice, was unveiled in October 2021. Now, the start-up is preparing to launch a B2B2C plant-based bee-free honey via a partnership with Narayan Foods in