Behive Confectionery: A legacy of Nougat Delights
The Beehive Confectionery isn’t just a company; it’s a family tradition woven into the very fabric of Maltese sweets. For over seven decades (established in 1948), they’ve been a cornerstone of the island’s confectionery scene.
The Heart of Beehive: Robert Caruana and the ‘Iż-Żebbuġi Hawn’ Stalls
Leading the charge is Robert Caruana, a seasoned confectioner who has dedicated his life to the art of nougat making. Under his watchful eye, the Beehive brand, also known as ‘Iż-Żebbuġi Hawn,’ has become synonymous with the charming wooden stalls that grace every village ‘festa’ in Malta.
A Nougat for Every Occasion
Beehive Confectionery isn’t a one-trick pony. They specialise in a delectable array of traditional Maltese confections, but their true claim to fame is nougat. They offer two main types:
- Soft White Nougat: This classic variety is light and airy, crafted with egg white, sugar, water, candied fruit, and glucose.
- Brittle Nougat: A more robust option, packed with almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, sesame seeds, and figs for a satisfying crunch.
Interestingly, while white nougat reigns supreme across most of Malta, those celebrating festas in Mellieħa and Gozo tend to favour the bolder flavours of the black variety.
Beyond Tradition: A Touch of Innovation
Beehive Confectionery isn’t afraid to embrace a modern twist. Their soft nougat comes in a delightful array of flavours like banana, strawberry, orange, mint, pistachio, and even chocolate chip, ensuring there’s a perfect treat for every taste bud.
A Legacy of Sweetness
From weddings and hotels to souvenir shops and festive celebrations, Beehive Nougat has become a ubiquitous source of joy across Malta and Gozo. With every delectable bite, they carry forward the legacy of their founders, ensuring a taste of tradition for generations to come.
Behive Confectionery: A legacy of Nougat Delights
The Beehive Confectionery isn’t just a company; it’s a family tradition woven into the very fabric of Maltese sweets. For over seven decades (established in 1948), they’ve been a cornerstone of the island’s confectionery scene.
A Nougat for Every Occasion
Beehive Confectionery specialise in a delectable array of traditional Maltese confections. They offer two main types:
- Soft White Nougat: This classic variety is light and airy, crafted with egg white, sugar, water, candied fruit, and glucose.
- Hard Black Nougat: A more robust option, packed with almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, sesame seeds, and figs for a satisfying crunch.
Nougat: A Sweet Slice of Malta’s Culinary Heritage
Nougat, a cherished treat with Arabic origins, has been a culinary delight in Malta and Gozo for centuries. This almond and honey-based confection has left its mark across southern Europe, known as turrón in Spain, torró in Cataluña, torrone in Italy, pasteli in Greece, and cubbaita in Sicily. It found its way to Malta during the medieval Arabic culinary tradition in Spain and Sicily, with recorded references dating back to the early years of the Order of St John (1530-1798).
Mikiel Anton Vassalli, an 18th-century philosopher, detailed nougat’s key ingredients, resulting in the brittle toffee called “qubbajt tal-penit.” Nougat had its own social distinctions, with “white” and “black” honey versions catering to different budgets. Black nougat, also known as “melenegra,” was often consumed by the less affluent.
Nougat played a unique role in courtship customs, with grooms gifting it to brides, a tradition that even found its way into traditional folk songs. Nougat remains a special gift and is a tradition at village festas on the Maltese islands.
Nougat: A Sweet Slice of Malta’s Culinary Heritage
Nougat, a cherished treat with Arabic origins, has been a culinary delight in Malta and Gozo for centuries. This almond and honey-based confection has left its mark across southern Europe, known as turrón in Spain, torró in Cataluña, torrone in Italy, pasteli in Greece, and cubbaita in Sicily. It found its way to Malta during the medieval Arabic culinary tradition in Spain and Sicily, with recorded references dating back to the early years of the Order of St John (1530-1798).
SOFT NOUGAT
Introducing the Beehive Confectionery soft nougat, our best-selling confection that promises a symphony of flavours. This melt-in-your-mouth delight is available in a variety of sizes, making it the ideal treat for any occasion.
BRITTLE NOUGAT
Introducing our top-tier hard brown nougat, a delightful blend of rich sweetness and a medley of premium nuts. This best-seller is available in various sizes to suit every preference. Where excellence meets flavour in a delightful crunch.
SEASONAL CONFECTIONERY
As the seasons change, so does our artisanal bakery’s line-up, featuring delightful creations and an array of other delectable treats. The Christmas, Easter, Carnival seasons comes alive with a diverse selection of baked delights.
EVENTS CONFECTIONERY
Indulge in our Events Confectionery, a sweet symphony perfect for weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings with rich puddings, honey rings, almond biskuttini, imqaret and many other ideal sized confections.