"I'm Simon Bernard, CEO of APIMAB LABORATOIRES, founded 40 years ago by my father, Marc-Alain Bernard. With a degree in industrial innovation engineering, I spent years in Haute-Savoie working in precision mechanics and bar turning. In 2011, I stepped in to lead the company alongside my four siblings: Aurélie, Valentin, Emilien, and Guillaume."
I grew up immersed in beekeeping. My maternal grandfather built one of the first major apiaries in southern France after World War II. From age 12, I assisted my father at the hives, gaining hands-on experience across all operations. Taking the helm at 30 and managing 30 employees was a significant challenge, but together we've transformed the business. We've refreshed the PROPOLIA brand's visual identity, expanded organic-certified products, and streamlined operations—driving annual sales to €3.7 million.
Explore our online store for the full Propolia organic cosmetics range.
"PROPOLIA began in 1979 when my father, a beekeeper, discovered a mummified mouse preserved in propolis within one of his hives. This revelation shifted his focus to propolis—previously seen as hive waste—unlocking its preservative powers. He developed concentrated, beneficial formulas for human use from this remarkable substance."
Since then, APIMAB LABORATOIRES has pioneered propolis extracts in France. PROPOLIA led with the first French propolis gums. Committed to hive products' natural virtues, our formulations feature propolis, honey, royal jelly, pollen, and beeswax. We aim to share the benefits of beekeeping products through effective, organic care with naturally potent active ingredients.
For instance, our sulphate-free body and hair hygiene products pioneered gentle, eco-friendly foaming agents. Today, over 100 references address wellness, hygiene, and beauty needs.
Our values—rooted in beekeeping—endure: passion for the land, love for bees, ancestral expertise, and unwavering respect for biodiversity. We've championed organic beekeeping via the National Union of French Apiculture (UNAF), donating 25 cents per online sale. We sponsor events like the Concours des miels de France and Apidays to raise pollinator awareness. We also sustain a network of French beekeepers, offering them discounted products to complement their honey sales."
"As a family SME with 30 employees—not a multinational—we cherish crafting exceptional formulations that delight customers. Continuous quality improvements foster team synergy and progress. As CEO, I thrive surrounded by our dynamic, dedicated crew. They're indispensable!"
"In wellness, Propolis Gums (7 flavors), Vital Energy—a bee product concentrate with vitamin C—and our Mother Tincture (100% purified propolis extract, voted 'Best Organic Product 2020') lead sales. For hygiene and beauty: Lip Balm with propolis, honey-bamboo shampoo, and propolis-mint toothpaste.
My pick? The Nasal Spray—not glamorous, but invaluable during winter lake work!"
"Thrilled you're trying our bestseller Lip Balm: a simple yet powerful formula with just 7 natural ingredients. Rich in hive treasures (propolis, beeswax) blended with shea butter and coconut/apricot oils, it restores lip suppleness!"
Delivering sensory, effective organic cosmetics from bees aligns with our mission. Bees face threats from pesticides and climate change, yet per Greenpeace, '75% of global food relies on pollinators.' Support brands like Propolia safeguarding these vital insects!
Have you tried Propolia? Share your favorite product and routine in the comments!
