Farmers and breeders have historically selected plants and animals for traits suited to their environments, leading to locally adapted genotypes. With the global distribution of commercial breeds, genotype-environment interactions (GEI)—where performance varies across environments—are critical in understanding adaptation and productivity. In honey bees, studies reveal significant GEI, demonstrating that local genotypes outperform non-local ones in their native environments. These findings highlight local adaptations such as efficient use of floral resources, resistance to regional pathogens, and better survival under stress conditions. A European-level study, the ‘COLOSS GEI experiment’ (2009–2012), tested 621 honey bee colonies from 16 genetic origins across 11 countries, in the absence of treatments against varroa or other diseases. Results showed that local colonies had higher survival rates, stronger colonies, and tendentially better productivity compared to non-local colonies. Additional studies, including EurBeST (2019–2021), reinforced these findings, showing that local genotypes excelled in productivity, behavioural traits, and colony strength, particularly under environmental stress. Current knowledge on genotype-environment interactions in honey bees underscores the importance of breeding programs tailored to local conditions. By prioritising local genotypes, these programs can enhance colony vitality, maintain genetic diversity, and ensure sustainable productivity. This approach is vital for supporting honey bee populations in addressing challenges posed by climate change.