The honeybee’s critical role in pollinating agricultural crops and providing fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, and seeds is not well known among the Australian public. ‘Bee Cause’ was created to change that by shining a spotlight on the plight of bees, as climate changes and ecosystems and bee habitats are threatened.

Beechworth Honey has enjoyed new business growth from this range while promoting bee health and beekeeper sustainability.

Collaboration with others was key to their success. Beechworth is a member of Food & Fibre Gippsland, a FIAL- supported Cluster. Through its networks, Beechworth was able to broker assistance to take their ideas through to finished product. They also undertook consumer testing and engaged with beekeepers – both critical to the development of a successful product.

This type of blended honey is a more sustainable way to create speciality honey. Usually, honey originates from one tree variety, but seasonal variations can lower production. This way, supply is more secure so consumers can have the product when they want it while connecting those more socially aware Australians with food provenance. Beekeepers have a more secure income, as do Beechworth. Social sustainability, environmental and economic outcomes have all been achieved.