Buzz around looming bee industry conference

“The annual conference is the opportunity for our industry to get together and look at how we can grow value and share knowledge, critical in today’s more difficult climate,” says Karin Kos, chief executive, Apiculture New Zealand.

The Conference, at the Rotorua Events Centre from Thursday June 27 to Saturday 29 June is also the opportunity to showcase the talents and efforts of people in the apiculture industry, including the honeys and bee products they produce. 

The National Honey Competition, sponsored by Kiwi Labels, is a highlight of conference with the best honeys in the country vying for the top awards.

“We are always excited to be involved with the best of the best, in the honey products space,” says Kevin Powell, of Kiwi Labels. “Year on year we see a high calibre of honey and honey products which show dedication, passion, pride and initiative from their creators, with a little help from their buzzy friends. 

Powell said they looked forward to being part of the journey and helping to market these products, with their award-winning labels, for the enjoyment and benefit of people around the globe.

There are 12 different honey classes ranging from clear to creamed honey, from manuka honey to mead and honeycomb. The honey judges are world-class and the honeys must meet an internationally recognised scales of points.  The programme covers a full three days, includes a discussion on the challenges of our honey market and the international marketing of manuka honey. International keynote speakers include Dr. Sammy Ramsey, Dr. Juliana Rangel-Posada, and Alisha Taff who are travelling from the United States to share their beekeeping knowledge and experience with Kiwi delegates. Topics covered by these speakers include reversal of the effects of the infamous Varroa mite on bee health, the biology of mating, producing organic honey and latest industry trends.