Ray Sciberras and Denise Camilleri manage a number of apiaries for the production of quality Maltese honey and other beehive products – including beeswax candles, cosmetics, and bee and floral inspired jewellery items – under the brand Golden Island. They also produce traditional preserves and conserves from local fruits such as carob, prickly pears, pomegranate, and olive oil, as well as marmalades, pâtés, chutneys, and jams.
The company was set up by Ray after deciding to take beekeeping professionally in 2008, having previously enjoyed it as a hobby for a couple of years and after attending various training courses related to beekeeping both locally as well as abroad.
Ray and Denise are also involved in raising awareness of the importance of beekeeping to both locals and visiting tourists through agro-tourism. Over the years, they have also taken part in various R&D projects related to improving local honey standards as well beekeeping with local and foreign partners. They also actively participate in the ‘Let’s talk Farming’ scheme operated by the Ministries of Education and Agriculture aimed at school children across Malta.
Training
- Ray is a BSc Physics and Chemistry graduate;
- Both Denise and Ray trained in the UK, attending courses related to advanced husbandry and queen rearing techniques, as well as artificial insemination techniques.
Awards
- Runner-up, Category 1 – Artisanal Products (Sub-Category B: Food and Beverage), Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti 2021
- Runner-up, Local Cultural Contributor, Malta Business Awards (2022)
- Gold Medal, London Honey International Awards (2021)
- Runner-up, Farmer of the Year, Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights – Animal Awards (2021)
Workshop
Triq iż-Żnuber, Mosta
Contact
+356 7958 2078
