About Us
Our Company History
Formed in 1973, Nelson Honey & Marketing (NZ) Ltd (formerly Nelson Apiaries Ltd) is a family owned business operated by Philip and Evelyn Cropp. Philip’s grandfather (pictured above, on the right) started producing honey from hives in the Nelson area as a sideline to his fruit orchard over 100 years ago. With Philip and Evelyn beekeeping since the 1970's and their son Matthew beekeeping as well, Nelson Honey brings together four generations of beekeeping and honey production experience. Over the past 25 years the company has grown substantially in terms of production volume, international exports and product diversification.
In addition to the Nectar Ease product range, Nelson Honey also produces or distributes Active Manuka Honey and other natural products - pollen, soap and facial products.
The company has continued to maintain a healthy year on year increase of its honey-based products. These are available in over 400 retail outlets (Natural Health food shops, Pharmacies and Gift Shops) in New Zealand with a high level of brand awareness for Nectar Ease and Active Manuka Honey.
Many products are exported to global markets including the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. We receive regular enquiries for the establishment of distribution outlets in Europe and Asia.
Nelson Honey is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in it’s products, and to the added value health benefits that come from honey.
How to find us
Based in the South Island of New Zealand, we are 50 kilometres to the south of Nelson city. In conjunction with its sister companies Rainbow Honey Ltd and Scenicland Honey Ltd, we now have over 4,000 hives sited throughout Nelson, Golden Bay and West Coast areas of NZ's South Island. Placed in the pristine bush and forests of this beautiful part of New Zealand, the hives produce a variety of natural honeys free from insecticide or other agricultural sprays. Research indicates that honey produced in such clean, green environments increases the therapeutic benefits of the bee products (Postmes & Van den Bogaard, 1993).