Ariel Simoncelli – A pioneer of beekeeping in Uruguay

Celebrating the life and legacy of Ariel Simoncelli, the grandfather of Joaquin Labella, one of The Land Group founders!

Born on October 16, 1933, in Mercedes, Uruguay, his journey has been one of hard work, innovation, and a deep love for the land.

At just 9 years old, he began working with bees, and by 27, he was operating a business of his own that eventually managed over 6,000 hives—an incredible scale for Uruguay at the time. He pioneered new techniques, such as square hives with five supers, boosting honey yields to over 100 kg per hive!

Ariel didn’t just stop at production. He ensured local beekeepers got fair prices and better market access. In 1962, he achieved a major milestone by organising Uruguay’s first honey export to Africa—50,000 kg!

Farming runs deep in Ariel’s legacy that inspires his grandson and Joaquín Labella to enhance sustainable practices through TheLandGroup today.

Even at 91, Ariel’s passion remains strong as he continues to work the land and grow his own vegetables.Happy Birthday! Your love for the land continues to inspire us all.