Terry’s interest in Manuka honey originated with the requirement to secure quality bee colonies for the pollination of the avocado orchard. King Honey (brand BEE+) was established in 2011. Hive numbers have grown from 400 to 18,000 placements throughout New Zealand.
The company now has 5 branches in New Zealand, with the head office being in Auckland. BEE+ has hives located on sites from the top of the North Island to the top of the South Island. There is a special focus on the production of Manuka honey.
The company utilizes over 50,000 acres for hive placements, of which a considerable acreage is owned by King Honey. This ensures absolute control of the honey is maintained from the hive to the jar. Most of the hive sites are in remote areas, therefore ensuring the production of high quality, natural Manuka honey.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key visits a Bee+ Manuka Honey hive site in the remote Northland region. "Manuka honey has become a very important product for the New Zealand economy, both domestically and in global export markets. Bee+ Manuka Honey is now one of the largest producers of native Manuka honey from thousands of acres of their own land and hives. Bee+ Manuka Honey, with its very high anti-bacterial activity, can be very beneficial for the internal health of many people. It is certainly the brand I choose." – Sir John Key