Trees and Bees manager Sam Doran says he may be biased but thinks manuka honey tastes better in the South Island – and now he has the proof.
The Murchison-based company has just taken out the national award for best Monofloral Manuka Honey.
More than 1000 delegates recently attended the Apiculture New Zealand National Honey Competition in Rotorua. All entries were blind tasted by three judges, honouring producers from a range of honey categories. Trees and Bees added to their win with a second placing in the Honeydew Honey section.
“We were ecstatic with the win,” says Sam. “I don’t think we have ever entered before, so to come away with a win the first time is exciting.”
Trees and Bees, along with its Honey label “Tutaki Honey”, has been beekeeping in Murchison for close to 40 years.
“People always say they love our honey and how delicious it is, and now we have proof on a national stage,” says Sam.
He says, having great staff, an amazing landscape and the guiding hand of a well-respected beekeeper like Ricki Leahy are a huge advantage in an ever-changing industry.
Manuka honey production peaks in December-January with other honey taken off before to avoid contamination and ensure a pure monofloral nectar source. At the peak there can be more than 60,00 bees in each of Trees and Bees 2,300 beehives.
Trees and Bees focuses on honey production, packing it into 330 kg drums before selling it to other companies which then market and export it.
“Our focus is on the bees and getting nice-tasting honey,” says Sam.