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The man behind the buzz

A story about small creatures, big impact, and the power of taking initiative.

When you walk across the Fresenius Kabi site in Graz, you might not expect that some of our workers there have wings and make honey. Yet just a few steps away from the production area, three beehives hum with life, cared for by our colleague Robert Hagenhofer, who started beekeeping out of a simple wish to make a difference.

“I first heard about the decline of bee populations in 2016,” Robert recalls. “I asked myself what I could do – just donate money, or actually get involved?” That question led him to enroll in a hobby beekeeping course at the Styrian Beekeeping School. By the following spring, he had three hives of his own – and a growing fascination with the world of bees. 

robert hagenhofer presenting a bee frame full of bees
Bees are incredible. They give so much structure to nature. Caring for them teaches patience, precision, and also respect.

What began as a personal project quickly turned into a success story. Robert’s honey won multiple national awards, including several gold and silver medals for quality. But for him, it’s never just been about the prizes: “It’s about helping bees survive, so they can keep pollinating our trees and plants. It’s a small but meaningful contribution to the balance of nature.”

Today, Robert looks after more than 20 hives across Styria, including the three that live right here at our Fresenius Kabi site in Graz. The bees not only contribute to biodiversity but also bring a sense of connection and pride to colleagues on site.

close up of a bee frame showing the bees at work

Beyond caring for the bees, Robert also shares his passion with others. Each summer, he invites local schoolchildren to visit the hives and learn why bees are vital for our environment. “It’s wonderful to see how curious they are,” he says. “They leave with a new appreciation for nature, and maybe even a spark to do something themselves.”

Robert’s work embodies one of our key Fresenius Principles: We act today for a better tomorrow. His commitment shows that sustainability starts with individuals who care, and that even small actions can make a big impact.

robert hagenhofer opening a bee hive