Our staff visited Genc Cakaj of Bee Pro in Drenas, a visionary local producer who is strengthening Kosovo’s beekeeping sector through domestic production and making his path as an industry leader.

Beekeeping is a fast-growing and important sector in Kosovo, with strong economic and environmental relevance. Thanks to the rich biodiversity and favorable climate, honey production is thriving.

Currently, there are an estimated 200,000–250,000 beehives managed by around 7,500 beekeepers across Kosovo. There is a steady demand for beekeeping equipment, especially beehives and beehive frames.

Until now, most of these frames were imported, often meaning higher prices and delays during the busy spring period.

Bee Pro is changing that.

Building on hands-on experience, Bee Pro has begun producing beehive frames locally, using new machinery provided through the SUNREED Project, implemented by CNVP Kosovo and financed by the Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina (Sida). 

What makes this initiative even more impactful is the smart use of local resources. Wood from forest management interventions — once considered low-value and often used as firewood — is now transformed into high-quality beehives and frames. Instead of being burned, it is turned into durable products that support beekeepers and create local jobs.

Local production of beehive frames means:

• More affordable equipment for beekeepers across Kosovo
• Frames available exactly when they're needed most, especially during the busy spring season
• More value staying in our local communities, supporting local jobs and domestic wood suppliers
• Less reliance on imported products, helping build a stronger, self-reliant sector

Bee Pro is setting a new standard for local production and helping shape the future of Kosovo’s beekeeping value chain.