Local Liverpool beeswax producer has balm sold in new supermarket in the city

The Director of a Liverpool biodiversity group is “very excited and thrilled” to have her range of beeswax balms sold in a new Morrisons store in the city.

Andrea Ku is director of B 4 Diversity, which is made up of a group of individuals that promote the importance of biodiversity in the urban area.

She told LiverpoolWorld about how the group was set up, what impact the pandemic has had, and how the group is going from strength to strength.

Andrea said: “B 4 Biodiversity was set up in 2013 in response to me not being able to find work after completing studies in art and landscape architecture.

“I carved my own little place in the world with the aim to enhance and increase local biodiversity in urban areas through hands-on practical and creative activities.

“I have since been teaching food growing, tree planting and beekeeping - the latter being the most effective to get people more aware of their world around them.

“During 2020, my work and projects took a nosedive. In response to this,I developed the beeswax balms by getting them cosmetically certified and branded. Sales went well.”

Like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on B 4 Biodiversity.

It was one of her students who drew Andrea’s attention to the supermarket chain and what they do for local producers.

She continued: “During 2020, I moved my beekeeping courses online. One of my students who worked at Morrisons told me about a new store ready to open. She told me that Morrisons are keen to support local producers as much as it can.

“I was asked to send samples over which the team liked and then I was offered a contract to supply the new store in Kirkby.

“I had to get barcodes for all the products which was a big leap into an unknown world of retail but I was more than keen to take that leap of faith!”

Andrea added: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a time emotionally and physically to get the ball rolling and making products.

“I think once the products were in Morrisons, I was more relieved I had got to that stage!

“After a few days of the products being on display in the store and this all sinking in, I am very excited and thrilled - you could even say I’m buzzing!”