Entrepreneurship Stories

Apis Flora is a pioneering Brazilian company with over 42 years of experience in producing propolis and propolis extracts. Renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, Apis Flora has established itself as a leader in the Brazilian propolis market, according to IQVIA, focusing on developing high-standard products for health and well-being. The company collaborates closely with academic institutions such as the University of São Paulo, UNICAMP, UNESP, FIOCRUZ, and several other universities both inside and outside Brazil, to conduct advanced research on the therapeutic properties of propolis, particularly green propolis. This synergy between scientific research and product development has positioned Apis Flora at the forefront of global propolis research, ensuring its products meet stringent quality standards and contribute to health benefits worldwide. Founded by Mr. Manoel Eduardo Ferreira and Mr. Antônio Carlos Meda on February 8th, 1982, in Ribeirão Preto, the company has been part of the French Lehning Group since 2018. The current CEO and partner of the company is Mr. Raul de Barros Ferreira, who graduated in management from FGV and law from the University of São Paulo.

Mr. Antônio Carlos Meda – Co-Founder

Co-Founder

Mr. Manoel Eduardo Tavares Ferreira

Co-Founder

Mr. Raul de Barros Ferreira

Currently CEO

Mr. Stephane Lehning

President of Lehning Groupe

Besides Apis Flora, the city possess also Startups as AgroBee, which promotes pollination services, and ventures specializing in products derived from native stingless bees for oral and cosmetic use as Heborá.

AgroBee is a pioneering startup focused on enhancing agricultural productivity through efficient pollination services. By leveraging advanced technology and scientific research, AgroBee provides commercial pollination solutions that cater to a variety of crops, including avocado, canola, coffee, orange, soybean, strawberry, and sunflower. Their approach integrates precision agriculture and sustainable practices to optimize pollination processes, thereby increasing crop yields and quality. AgroBee’s innovative methods and expertise in pollination management make them a key player in promoting sustainable agriculture in Brazil. The company also actively collaborates with academic and research institutions to ensure their practices are backed by the latest scientific advancements, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the agricultural ecosystem.

Guilherme Sousa

CEO AgroBee

Joyce Mayra Volpini Almeida Dias

AgroBee Beekeeping Coordinator

Diego Moure Oliveira

AgroBee Pollination Coordinator

Heborá, is a pioneering startup focused on the production of diverse honeys from native Brazilian stingless bees. With a profound understanding of the ecological importance of these bees and their unique honeys, Juliana established Heborá to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and highlight the rich biodiversity of Brazil. Her innovative approach not only aims to produce high-quality honey but also to conserve the native bee species and their habitats. Through Heborá, Juliana has successfully combined her passion for environmental conservation with entrepreneurial spirit, positioning the startup as a leader in sustainable stingless bee’s honey production and contributing significantly to the awareness and preservation of Brazil’s natural heritage.

This dynamic environment makes Ribeirão Preto a pivotal hub of innovation in apiculture and apitherapy, ensuring the highest standards of quality and technological advancement.

Juliana Feres

Co-Founder and CEO Casa Meli LTDA and Co-Founder and Member of the Administrative Board Heborá LTDA