Tucked between the wildflowers of Greek mountain villages and the quiet hum of island hives lies Anthology Honey – a brand shaped by science, tradition, and a deep respect for nature. At its core is a mission to protect pollinators, preserve biodiversity, and share Greece’s rarest small-batch honeys with the world.
Founded by biologist Alexandra Timotheadi, Anthology is rooted in her understanding of ecosystems and her passion for sustainable living. Working closely with local beekeepers, she ensures ethical harvesting methods that honor both bees and land.
Alexandra leads everything from sourcing to product innovation and global outreach. Each jar captures a story of harmony between people, pollinators, and place.
KHAMSA5 explores through a Q&A the science, story, and mission behind Anthology Honey with its founder, who guides both its environmental purpose and global vision.
١. What inspired you to launch Anthology Honey, and how has your background in biology shaped its mission?
After two decades in the corporate world, I decided to pursue a more meaningful path – one that aligns with my deep-rooted passion for nature and sustainability. I have been looking for a career with a positive environmental and social impact, and this is one of the reasons I set up Anthology Honey.
A passion project dedicated to the preservation of traditional beekeeping, the protection of the sacred honeybee, a mission to raise awareness about its importance and last but not least, to introduce the world to some of Greece’s most exquisite and rare honeys.
My degree in biology has allowed me to have a better understanding of the delicate balance of ecosystems, their fragility and interconnections. Having a degree in life sciences has provided me with an initial glimpse into the fascinating world of bees and their ecological significance; it has helped me to understand the biochemistry of natural products and all the gifts that nature is generously offering to us. I have always looked for natural alternatives in both my diet and my beauty routine, and in this era of mass production, I set up Anthology honey in order to provide pure and natural options to fellow honey enthusiasts and people who can appreciate the finer things in life.
٢. How do you define “sustainable luxury,” and what does that look like in the world of honey and wellness?
I believe sustainable luxury is about creating products that embody excellence, beauty, and purpose, without compromising the health of the planet or the well-being of communities.
As Founder and CEO, I lead our efforts across sourcing, product innovation, and business development. My goal is to build a legacy of sustainability, appreciation and respect—ensuring that future generations inherit a world where honeybees and biodiversity thrive. The sacred honeybee, our brand’s emblem, is a constant reminder of this mission and the vital role these creatures play in sustaining life on Earth. At Anthology Honey, sustainable luxury comes to life through our deep commitment to transparency in the supply chain and promoting fair-trade and organic practices. We work closely with Greek beekeepers in pristine mountain villages and small islands to support ethical harvesting practices that preserve centuries-old traditions and protect biodiversity.
٣. What makes your honey medicinal-grade, and how do you ensure ethical, traditional harvesting methods?
People often get medical honey and medicinal properties confused with one another. While Anthology Honey has medicinal properties, it is not in the category of being a ‘medicinal-grade’ honey. All types of Anthology Honey are sourced solely from the remote, pristine areas of Greece’s countryside away from urban centres. The lack of heavy industry within the country is a major factor in the purity and premium quality of our honeys.
To ensure we preserve ethical and traditional harvesting methods, Anthology Honey collaborates with small beekeepers in remote areas of Greece in order to sustain their traditional way of life and preserve Greece’s ancient beekeeping heritage. The ‘Guardians of the Bees’- as we call them – are the root of Anthology’s existence. Their sacred practices and their connection with their bees, combined with the extraordinary biodiversity of Greece, create a divine and harmonious honey. Anthology Honey is a proud member of Apimondia, and our quality criteria are much more stringent and far exceed the standard regulatory requirements. Our lead scientific advisor, Dr. Andreas Thrasyvoulou, is a renowned expert on honeybees, honey and royal jelly. He holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University and has been a professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the past 30 years. The local beekeeping tradition, which dates back thousands of years, combined with the microclimate and diverse flora of medicinal herbs of the eastern Mediterranean, ensures that the honeys produced are unique. Hence, their name ‘The Sacred Elixirs of Greece’, which was chosen to reflect how truly special they are.
٤. Why did you choose the UAE as a launch market, and how are consumers there responding to your products?
Having lived in Dubai for 17 years, I found the city to be an inspiring place to launch a business with deep purpose. The Arab world, as well as expat communities from India and the subcontinent, hold honey in high regard, not just as a delicacy but as a superfood deeply embedded in their culture and Ayurvedic medicine. Anthology Honey’s mission is to bring our Sacred Elixirs to the UAE, a collection of exquisite honey, while fostering awareness about the medicinal properties of pure honey.
In parallel, we are highlighting all the dangers related to adulterated or lab-made ‘honey’, which is a major issue in the honey industry worldwide. The UAE has created a friendly environment for start-ups, and I am particularly impressed by the high percentage of women entrepreneurs in the country. It is an inspiring country to live and work in because it teaches you how to always strive for the best.
٥. You’re deeply passionate about bee conservation—what’s one thing everyone should know about pollinators
Bee conservation is crucial for the environment and food production. Here are some key points everyone should know:
a) Bees are key pollinators for the majority of plants, including food crops. They contribute to the pollination of over 75% of global food crops.
b) Bee populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, disease, as well as the introduction of laboratory-made syrups, marketed as vegan honeys. This decline threatens biodiversity and food security.
c) Preserving natural habitats such as wildflowers, meadows, and forests is essential. Planting native flowers can provide bees with food.
d) Minimising or eliminating pesticide use, especially neonicotinoids, can help protect bee populations. Seeking organic alternatives has become imperative.
e) Buying honey and other beehive products from local beekeepers and reputable companies such as Anthology, supports sustainable practices and local economies while also promoting bee health.
٦.What’s next for Anthology Honey, and what legacy do you hope to leave through the brand?
Anthology Honey is dedicated to preserving traditional beekeeping, We are a team on a mission to raise awareness and protect the honeybee. Our legacy of sustainability, Appreciation and respect will be witnessed by future generations who will inherit a world where honeybees and biodiversity thrive because of the passionate work we are doing now.
Anthology Honey is currently a collection of four rare varieties of honey, each with medicinal properties and delicious, gourmet flavours.
In the summer, we will hopefully release our Ruby Crown Heather Honey, which is already building a waiting list. This honey is sourced from the island of Icaria, one of the World’s five Blue zones, renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. Over the next five years, we are planning to add more selected wellness organic products to our portfolio. After all, the name Anthology means “a collection of blossoms” in Ancient Greek.
٧. What inspired you to launch Anthology Honey, and how has your background in biology shaped its mission?
After two decades in the corporate world, I decided to pursue a more meaningful path—one that aligns with my deep-rooted passion for nature and sustainability.
I have been looking for a career with a positive environmental and social impact, and this is one of the reasons I set up Anthology Honey. A passion project dedicated to the preservation of traditional beekeeping, the protection of the sacred honeybee, a mission to raise awareness about its importance and last but not least, to introduce the world to some of Greece’s most exquisite and rare honeys.
My degree in biology has allowed me to have a better understanding of the delicate balance of ecosystems, their fragility, and interconnections. Having a degree in life sciences has provided me with an initial glimpse into the fascinating world of bees and their ecological significance; it has helped me to understand the biochemistry of natural products and all the gifts that nature is generously offering to us. I have always looked for natural alternatives in both my diet and my beauty routine, and in this era of mass production, I set up Anthology honey in order to provide pure and natural options to fellow honey-enthusiasts and people who can appreciate the finer things in life.
٨. How do you define “sustainable luxury,” and what does that look like in the world of honey and wellness?
I believe sustainable luxury is about creating products that embody excellence, beauty, and purpose without compromising the health of the planet or the well-being of communities.
As Founder and CEO, I lead our efforts across sourcing, product innovation, and business development. My goal is to build a legacy of sustainability, appreciation and respect—ensuring that future generations inherit a world where honeybees and biodiversity thrive. The sacred honeybee, our brand’s emblem, is a constant reminder of this mission and the vital role these creatures play in sustaining life on Earth.
At Anthology Honey, sustainable luxury comes to life through our deep commitment to transparency in the supply chain and promoting fair-trade and organic practices. We work closely with Greek beekeepers in pristine mountain villages and small islands to support ethical harvesting practices that preserve centuries-old traditions and protect biodiversity.
٩. What makes your honey medicinal-grade, and how do you ensure ethical and traditional harvesting methods?
People often get medical honey and medicinal properties confused with one another.
While Anthology Honey has medicinal properties, it is not in the category of being a ‘medicinal-grade’ honey. All types of Anthology Honey are sourced solely from the remote, pristine areas of Greece’s countryside away from urban centres. The lack of heavy industry within the country is a major factor in the purity and premium quality of our honeys.
To ensure we preserve ethical and traditional harvesting methods, Anthology Honey collaborates with small beekeepers in remote areas of Greece in order to sustain their traditional way of life and preserve Greece’s ancient beekeeping heritage. The ‘Guardians of the Bees’- as we call them – are the root of Anthology’s existence. Their sacred practices and their connection with their bees, combined with the extraordinary biodiversity of Greece, create a divine and harmonious honey.
Anthology Honey is a proud member of Apimondia, and our quality criteria are much more stringent and far exceed the standard regulatory requirements. Our lead scientific advisor, Dr. Andreas Thrasyvoulou, is a renowned expert on honeybees, honey and royal jelly. He holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University and has been a professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the past 30 years. The local beekeeping tradition, which dates back thousands of years, combined with the microclimate and diverse flora of medicinal herbs of the eastern Mediterranean, ensures that the honeys produced are unique. Hence, their name ‘The Sacred Elixirs of Greece’, which was chosen to reflect how truly special they are.
١.. Why did you choose the UAE as a launch market, and how are consumers there responding to your products?
Having lived in Dubai for 17 years, I found the city to be an inspiring place to launch a business with deep purpose. The Arab world, as well as expat communities from India and the subcontinent, hold honey in high regard, not just as a delicacy but as a superfood deeply embedded in their culture and Ayurvedic medicine. Anthology Honey’s mission is to bring our Sacred Elixirs to the UAE, a collection of exquisite honeys, while fostering awareness about the medicinal properties of pure honey. In parallel, we are highlighting all the dangers related to adulterated or lab-made ‘honey’, which is a major issue in the honey industry worldwide.
The UAE has created a friendly environment for start-ups, and I am particularly impressed by the high percentage of women entrepreneurs in the country. It is an inspiring country to live and work in because it teaches you how to always strive for the best.
١١. You’re deeply passionate about bee conservation—what’s one thing everyone should know about pollinators?
Bee conservation is crucial for the environment and food production. Here are some key points everyone should know:
a) Bees are key pollinators for the majority of plants, including food crops. They contribute to the pollination of over 75% of global food crops.
b) Bee populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, disease, as well as the introduction of laboratory-made syrups, marketed as vegan honeys. This decline threatens biodiversity and food security.
c) Preserving natural habitats such as wildflowers, meadows, and forests is essential. Planting native flowers can provide bees with food.
d) Minimising or eliminating pesticide use, especially neonicotinoids, can help protect bee populations. Seeking organic alternatives has become imperative.
e) Buying honey and other beehive products from local beekeepers and reputable companies such as Anthology supports sustainable practices and local economies, while also promoting bee health.
١٢. What’s next for Anthology Honey, and what legacy do you hope to leave through the brand?
Anthology Honey is dedicated to preserving traditional beekeeping, We are a team on a mission to raise awareness and protect the honeybee.
Our legacy of sustainability, appreciation and respect will be witnessed by future generations who will inherit a world where honeybees and biodiversity thrive because of the passionate work we are doing now.
Anthology Honey is currently a collection of four rare varieties of honey, each with medicinal properties and delicious, gourmet flavours. In the summer, we will hopefully release our Ruby Crown Heather Honey, which is already building a waiting list. This honey is sourced from the island of Icaria, one of the World’s five Blue zones, renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. Over the next five years, we are planning to add more selected wellness organic products to our portfolio. After all, the name Anthology means “a collection of blossoms” in Ancient Greek.
