• Grega's Imkerei reached a new customer base on Temu, with approximately 70% of orders from first-time buyers the company couldn't access through traditional channels.

• The family business tested new products and measured customer demand faster on Temu than other marketplaces, guiding production decisions.

• First-time buyers are returning for repeat purchases and contacting the company directly with feedback.

Grega's Imkerei is a family-run beekeeping business in Engelskirchen, Germany. The company has operated for nearly a decade. Sales were steady through an established customer base and existing channels, but attracting new buyers was difficult.

The business listed its products on Temu in September 2025. Co-founders Florian Grega and Leon Grega say approximately 70% of platform orders come from first-time customers.

"It has helped us reach people we would not have captured through our usual channels," said Florian. "Temu has worked for us from day one and continues to grow."

From hobby to profession

Florian and Leon began beekeeping as a hobby. They converted it into a licensed operation in 2018. They produce small-batch honey products in the Bergisches Land region, roughly 30km east of Cologne. The business now employs 15 workers and manages approximately 350 bee colonies with around 18 million bees.

Germany operates Europe's largest honey market. The vast majority of its 150,000 beekeepers pursue it as a hobby, according to the German Beekeepers' Association. The Gregas are among the small number who do it professionally. They compete against bulk producers who offer lower prices.

Florian says trust and transparency set a small producer like Grega's Imkerei apart. "Especially with natural products, customers want to know exactly what they are buying," he said.

The product line includes monofloral honeys, spiced varieties, bee propolis, beeswax and honey-infused natural cosmetics, which have gone through independent lab testing using DNA-based pollen analysis to verify their purity.

"Independent tests and clear communication provide confidence and set us apart," said Florian.

Reaching buyers beyond the base

Temu launched its Local Seller Program in Germany in 2024. The programme lets domestic businesses connect with new customers and complete sales and fulfillment locally. The platform added a food products category in July 2025. Grega's Imkerei opened its storefront shortly afterward. Sellers listing food products on Temu have to complete a vetting process for compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Grega's Imkerei was among the first honey producers to list on Temu in Germany. The early entry helped the brand gain visibility. "We were able to seize the opportunity to achieve high visibility," said Florian.

Florian says the business has tested new products and measured demand more quickly on Temu than on other marketplaces. This gives faster insights into customer preferences. It guides production decisions.

From discovery to loyalty

First-time buyers on Temu are returning to make additional purchases. Others reach out to Grega's Imkerei directly. They share product feedback and comments on customer service.

Leon says Temu sales show demand exists for artisanal, small-batch products on the platform. "Customers react very positively when they know they're buying directly from the beekeeper," he said.

An Ipsos survey shows 29% of German Temu shoppers say they are more willing to try new products on the platform. For a small producer selling artisanal honey and bee products, this openness creates opportunity. "The number of first-time buyers we got confirms that Temu is an excellent place for discovery," said Leon.